Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder, sensory dysfunction, brain structures, cerebral cortices
Abstract
Sensory dysfunction is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and abnormalities with sensory responsivity and processing can be extremely debilitating to ASD patients and their families. However, relatively little is known about the underlying neuroanatomical and neurophysiological factors that lead to sensory abnormalities in ASD. Investigation into these aspects of ASD could lead to significant advancements in our general knowledge about ASD, as well as provide targets for treatment and inform diagnostic procedures. Thus, the current study aimed to measure the covariation of volumes of brain structures (i.e., structural magnetic resonance imaging) that may be involved in abnormal sensory processing, in order to infer connectivity of these brain regions. Specifically, we quantified the structural covariation of sensory-related cerebral cortical structures, in addition to the cerebellum and amygdala by computing partial correlations between the structural volumes of these structures. These analyses were performed in participants with ASD (n = 36), as well as typically developing peers (n = 32). Results showed decreased structural covariation between sensory-related cortical structures, especially between the left and right cerebral hemispheres, in participants with ASD. In contrast, these same participants presented with increased structural covariation of structures in the right cerebral hemisphere. Additionally, sensory-related cerebral structures exhibited decreased structural covariation with functionally identified cerebellar networks. Also, the left amygdala showed significantly increased structural covariation with cerebral structures related to visual processing. Taken together, these results may suggest several patterns of altered connectivity both within and between cerebral cortices and other brain structures that may be related to sensory processing.
Original Publication Citation
Cardon, G., Hepburn, S., Rojas, D. (2017) Structural covariance of sensory networks, the cerebellum, and amygdala in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers in Neurology: Applied Neuroimaging, 8:615
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Cardon, Garrett; Hepburn, Susan; and Rojas, Donald C., "Structural Covariance of Sensory Networks, the Cerebellum, and Amygdala in Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2017). Faculty Publications. 7583.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/7583
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2017
Publisher
Frontiers in Neurology
Language
English
College
David O. McKay School of Education
Department
Communication Disorders
Copyright Use Information
© Brigham Young University. All rights reserved. The information available on this site, including any text, data, artwork, video, audio, images or graphics (collectively, the "Material") may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Entities other than Brigham Young University (BYU) may own copyright in the Material. We encourage use of this Material for non-profit and educational purposes, such as personal research, teaching and private study. For these limited purposes, Material from this web site may be displayed and printed, and all copies must include any copyright notice included with the Material. Except as provided above, or any use beyond what is allowed by fair use (Title 17, § 107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any Material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the Material. Inquiries regarding any further use of the Materials contained on this site, please contact the C