Author(s) :

Sarah Karlekar.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Concussions, a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), are infamous for their instant effects of dizziness, fatigue, and mental confusion. While it is known that concussions can cause lasting neurological effects, including impacts on cognitive function, behavior, and focus, the specific long term effects on the brain, particularly among autistic youth, are not yet fully understood. Autistic youth may experience these effects differently from neurotypical populations, necessitating specialized care. Inherent differences in the neuropsychology and neurological structure of autistic individuals mean that diverse parts of the brain will be affected resulting in various behaviors. This review paper answers the following questions: What regions of the brain do concussions affect the most in neurotypical populations? How is the development of each of these regions affected by concussions in neurotypical populations? Are these trajectories different for autistic youth? By evaluating findings from existing studies, this paper enhances science’s current understanding of the interplay between concussions and autism among the developing population.