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Lobular patterns of cerebellar resting-state connectivity in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Olivito et al EJN.pdf (350.23 kB)

Lobular patterns of cerebellar resting-state connectivity in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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posted on 2023-06-09, 09:28 authored by Giusy Olivito, Michela Lupo, Fiorenzo Laghi, Silvia Clausi, Roberto Baiocco, Mara Cercignani, Marco Bozzali, Maria Leggio
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social functioning. Core autistics traits refer to poor social and imagination skills, poor attention-switching/strong focus of attention, exceptional attention to detail, as expressed by the autism-spectrum quotient. Over the years, the importance of the cerebellum in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder has been acknowledged. Neuroimaging studies have provided a strong support to this view, showing both structural and functional connectivity alterations to affect the cerebellum in autism spectrum disorder. According to the underconnectivity theory, disrupted connectivity within cerebello-cerebral networks has been specifically implicated in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder. However, inconsistent results have been generated across studies. In this study, an integrated approach has been used in a selected population of adults with autism spectrum disorder to analyse both cerebellar morphometry and functional connectivity. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder, a decreased cerebellar grey matter volume affected the right Crus II, a region showing extensive connections with cerebral areas related to social functions. This grey matter reduction correlates with the degree of autistic traits as measured by autism-spectrum quotient. Interestingly, altered functional connectivity was found between the reduced cerebellar Crus II and contralateral cerebral regions, such as frontal and temporal areas. Overall, the present data suggest that adults with autism spectrum disorder present with specific cerebellar structural alterations that may affect functional connectivity within cerebello-cerebral modules relevant to social processing and account for core autistics traits.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

European Journal of Neuroscience

ISSN

1460-9568

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

6

Volume

47

Page range

729-735

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-01-09

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-11-15

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-01-09

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