ASSOCIATED CURRENT STUDIES

Diffusion Tensor Tracking of Connectivity Abnormalities in Autism

Nancy J. Minshew, MD; Thomas Conturo, PhD/MD;
Diane L. Williams, PhD; Susan Levy, MD

Nancy Lurie Marks Foundation

The neural basis of the cognitive and behavioral abnormalities is only beginning to be understood. Recent functional imaging studies (fMRI) in autism have revealed a reduction in functional connectivity across cortical brain regions involved in language, problem solving and social cognition; simple tasks showed normal connectivity. Structural brain studies have shown an increase in brain volume attributable largely to an increase in the outer white matter zone. This white matter connects immediately adjacent areas of cortex and makes longer distant connections between cortical regions within the same hemisphere. The corpus callosum, the major white matter pathway connecting the two hemispheres, is smaller in autism. Hence, connectivity has emerged as a key issue in the neurobiology of autism.

This research study will investigate white matter connections using a new method called diffusion tensor fiber tracking to map white matter pathways related to each of the major symptom areas of autism. The size, shape, and density of these pathways in high functioning autistic teens and adults will be compared to matched controls and behavioral indices. This research study will advance the understanding of connectivity in autism, pave the way for comparisons with functional connectivity, guide developmental neurobiologic studies, and provide an index for future cognitive rehabilitation strategies designed to enhance connectivity.

 
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