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D’Adamo CR, Nelson JL, Miller SN, Rickert Hong M, Lambert E, Tallman Ruhm H. Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Pers Med 2024; 14:641. [PMID: 38929862 PMCID: PMC11205016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism has been increasing at an alarming rate. Even accounting for the expansion of autism spectrum disorder diagnostic (ASD) criteria throughout the 1990's, there has been an over 300% increase in ASD prevalence since the year 2000. The often debilitating personal, familial, and societal sequelae of autism are generally believed to be lifelong. However, there have been several encouraging case reports demonstrating the reversal of autism diagnoses, with a therapeutic focus on addressing the environmental and modifiable lifestyle factors believed to be largely underlying the condition. This case report describes the reversal of autism symptoms among dizygotic, female twin toddlers and provides a review of related literature describing associations between modifiable lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and various clinical approaches to treating autism. The twins were diagnosed with Level 3 severity ASD "requiring very substantial support" at approximately 20 months of age following concerns of limited verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors, rigidity around transitions, and extensive gastrointestinal symptoms, among other common symptoms. A parent-driven, multidisciplinary, therapeutic intervention involving a variety of licensed clinicians focusing primarily on addressing environmental and modifiable lifestyle factors was personalized to each of the twin's symptoms, labs, and other outcome measures. Dramatic improvements were noted within several months in most domains of the twins' symptoms, which manifested in reductions of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores from 76 to 32 in one of the twins and from 43 to 4 in the other twin. The improvement in symptoms and ATEC scores has remained relatively stable for six months at last assessment. While prospective studies are required, this case offers further encouraging evidence of ASD reversal through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach focusing predominantly on addressing modifiable environmental and lifestyle risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. D’Adamo
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Josephine L. Nelson
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Sara N. Miller
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Maria Rickert Hong
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Elizabeth Lambert
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
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2
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Alderman PJ, Saxon D, Torrijos-Saiz LI, Sharief M, Page CE, Baroudi JK, Biagiotti SW, Butyrkin VA, Melamed A, Kuo CT, Vicini S, García-Verdugo JM, Herranz-Pérez V, Corbin JG, Sorrells SF. Delayed maturation and migration of excitatory neurons in the juvenile mouse paralaminar amygdala. Neuron 2024; 112:574-592.e10. [PMID: 38086370 PMCID: PMC10922384 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The human amygdala paralaminar nucleus (PL) contains many immature excitatory neurons that undergo prolonged maturation from birth to adulthood. We describe a previously unidentified homologous PL region in mice that contains immature excitatory neurons and has previously been considered part of the amygdala intercalated cell clusters or ventral endopiriform cortex. Mouse PL neurons are born embryonically, not from postnatal neurogenesis, despite a subset retaining immature molecular and morphological features in adults. During juvenile-adolescent ages (P21-P35), the majority of PL neurons undergo molecular, structural, and physiological maturation, and a subset of excitatory PL neurons migrate into the adjacent endopiriform cortex. Alongside these changes, PL neurons develop responses to aversive and appetitive olfactory stimuli. The presence of this homologous region in both humans and mice points to the significance of this conserved mechanism of neuronal maturation and migration during adolescence, a key time period for amygdala circuit maturation and related behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia J Alderman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - David Saxon
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20011, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Lucía I Torrijos-Saiz
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Comparative Neurobiology, University of Valencia, CIBERNED-ISCIII, Valencia 46980, Spain
| | - Malaz Sharief
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Chloe E Page
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Jude K Baroudi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Sean W Biagiotti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Vladimir A Butyrkin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20011, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Anna Melamed
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Chay T Kuo
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jose M García-Verdugo
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Comparative Neurobiology, University of Valencia, CIBERNED-ISCIII, Valencia 46980, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Burjassot 46100, Spain
| | - Vicente Herranz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Comparative Neurobiology, University of Valencia, CIBERNED-ISCIII, Valencia 46980, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Burjassot 46100, Spain
| | - Joshua G Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20011, USA
| | - Shawn F Sorrells
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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3
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Lai MC. Mental health challenges faced by autistic people. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:1620-1637. [PMID: 37864080 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Mental health challenges impede the well-being of autistic people. This Review outlines contributing neurodevelopmental and physical health conditions, rates and developmental trajectories of mental health challenges experienced by autistic people, as well as unique clinical presentations. A framework is proposed to consider four contributing themes to aid personalized formulation: social-contextual determinants, adverse life experiences, autistic cognitive features, and shared genetic and early environmental predispositions. Current evidence-based and clinical-knowledge-informed intervention guidance and ongoing development of support are highlighted for specific mental health areas. Tailored mental health support for autistic people should be neurodivergence-informed, which is fundamentally humanistic and compatible with the prevailing bio-psycho-social frameworks. The personalized formulation should be holistic, considering physical health and transdiagnostic neurodevelopmental factors, intellectual and communication abilities, and contextual-experiential determinants and their interplay with autistic cognition and biology, alongside resilience. Supporting family well-being is integral. Mutual empathic understanding is fundamental to creating societies in which people across neurotypes are all empowered to thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Schulz SE, Luszawski M, Hannah KE, Stevenson RA. Sensory Gating in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Scoping Review. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1005-1019. [PMID: 37014483 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01058-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
This review aimed to explore the current understanding of sensory gating in neurodevelopmental disorders as a possible transdiagnostic mechanism. We applied methods according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis, following the population, concept, and context scoping review eligibility criteria. Using a comprehensive search strategy in five relevant research databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Scopus), we searched for relevant peer-reviewed, primary research articles and unpublished data. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, full-texts, and completed data extraction. We identified a total of 81 relevant articles and used descriptive analyses to summarize the characteristics and outcomes of all identified studies. Literature regarding sensory gating was most common in autistic populations with relatively fewer studies examining attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, tic disorders, and childhood-onset fluency disorder (COFD). The methods to assess sensory gating varied widely both within and between groups and included measures such as habituation, prepulse inhibition, affect-modulated inhibition, medication and other intervention trials. Most consistently, when participants complete questionnaires about their sensory experiences, those who have neurodevelopmental disorders report differences in their sensory gating. Affect-modulated inhibition appears to be discrepant between samples with and without neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses. Habituation was the most commonly reported phenomenon and many differences in habituation have been found in autistic individuals and individuals with tic disorders whereas concerns with inhibition seemed more common in COFD. Overall, the evidence is inconsistent within and between disorders suggesting there is still much to learn about sensory gating in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Schulz
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Luszawski
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kara E Hannah
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Tarantino L, Attanasio M, Di Mascio T, De Gasperis G, Valenti M, Mazza M. On the Evaluation of Engagement in Immersive Applications When Users Are on the Autism Spectrum. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2192. [PMID: 36850787 PMCID: PMC9963697 DOI: 10.3390/s23042192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
New generation wearable devices allow for the development of interactive environments tailored for Virtual Reality (VR)- and Augmented Reality (AR)-based treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Experts agree on their potential; however, there is lack of consensus on how to perform trials and the need arises for evaluation frameworks, methods, and techniques appropriate for the ASD population. In this paper, we report on a study conducted with high-functioning ASD people in the 21-23 age range, with the objectives of (1) evaluating the engagement of two headsets offering distinct immersive experiences, (2) reasoning on the interpretation of engagement factors in the case of ASD people, and (3) translating results into general guidelines for the development of VR/AR-based ASD treatment. To this aim, we (1) designed two engagement evaluation frameworks based on behavioral observation measures, (2) set up two packages of reference immersive scenarios, (3) defined the association between metrics and scenarios, and (4) administered the scenarios in distinct sessions for the investigated headsets. Results show that the immersive experiences are engaging and that the apparent lack of success of some evaluation factors can become potential advantages within the framework of VR/AR-based ASD treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tarantino
- Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Margherita Attanasio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Tania Di Mascio
- Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Gasperis
- Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Autism of the Abruzzo Region, Local Health Unit ASL 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Davide G, Rebecca C, Irene P, Luciano C, Francesco R, Marta N, Miriam O, Natascia B, Pierluigi P. Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Multi-level Analysis Combining Epi-signature, Age Acceleration, Epigenetic Drift and Rare Epivariations Using Public Datasets. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2362-2373. [PMID: 37489793 PMCID: PMC10556384 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230725142338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is still an understudied field. The majority of the studies on the topic used an approach based on mere classification of cases and controls. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed at providing a multi-level approach in which different types of epigenetic analysis (epigenetic drift, age acceleration) are combined. METHODS We used publicly available datasets from blood (n = 3) and brain tissues (n = 3), separately. Firstly, we evaluated for each dataset and meta-analyzed the differential methylation profile between cases and controls. Secondly, we analyzed age acceleration, epigenetic drift and rare epigenetic variations. RESULTS We observed a significant epi-signature of ASD in blood but not in brain specimens. We did not observe significant age acceleration in ASD, while epigenetic drift was significantly higher compared to controls. We reported the presence of significant rare epigenetic variations in 41 genes, 35 of which were never associated with ASD. Almost all genes were involved in pathways linked to ASD etiopathogenesis (i.e., neuronal development, mitochondrial metabolism, lipid biosynthesis and antigen presentation). CONCLUSION Our data support the hypothesis of the use of blood epi-signature as a potential tool for diagnosis and prognosis of ASD. The presence of an enhanced epigenetic drift, especially in brain, which is linked to cellular replication, may suggest that alteration in epigenetics may occur at a very early developmental stage (i.e., fetal) when neuronal replication is still high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gentilini Davide
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20090, Italy
| | - Cavagnola Rebecca
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Possenti Irene
- Department of Statistical Sciences Paolo Fortunati, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Calzari Luciano
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20090, Italy
| | - Ranucci Francesco
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Nola Marta
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Olivola Miriam
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Brondino Natascia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Politi Pierluigi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
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Shi C, Xin X, Zhang J. A novel multigranularity feature-selection method based on neighborhood mutual information and its application in autistic patient identification. Biomed Signal Process Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.103887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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Evaluating the Feasibility of The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery for Autistic Children and Adolescents. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:689-699. [PMID: 33761062 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04965-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the feasibility of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIH-TCB) for use in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 116 autistic children and adolescents and 80 typically developing (TD) controls, ages 3-17 years, completed four NIH-TCB tasks related to inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and episodic memory. While the majority of autistic and TD children completed all four tasks, autistic children experienced greater difficulties with task completion. Across autistic and TD children, performance on NIH-TCB tasks was highly dependent on IQ, but significant performance differences related to ASD diagnosis were found for two of four tasks. These findings highlight the potential strengths and limitations of the NIH-TCB for use with autistic children.
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Fear and Anxiety in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2022; 7. [PMID: 36303861 PMCID: PMC9600938 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect a large percentage of individuals who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In children with ASD, excessive anxiety is also linked to gastrointestinal problems, self-injurious behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapies are effective treatments for anxiety disorders in children with ASD, but high relapse rates indicate the need for additional treatment strategies. This perspective discusses evidence from preclinical research, which indicates that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with exposure to fear-provoking stimuli and situations could offer benefits as an adjuvant treatment for anxiety disorders that coexist with ASD. Vagus nerve stimulation is approved for use in the treatment of epilepsy, depression, and more recently as an adjuvant in rehabilitative training following stroke. In preclinical models, VNS shows promise in simultaneously enhancing consolidation of extinction memories and reducing anxiety. In this review, we will present potential mechanisms by which VNS could treat fear and anxiety in ASD. We also discuss potential uses of VNS to treat depression and epilepsy in the context of ASD, and noninvasive methods to stimulate the vagus nerve.
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Seguin D, Pac S, Wang J, Nicolson R, Martinez-Trujillo J, Duerden EG. Amygdala subnuclei development in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Association with social communication and repetitive behaviors. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2299. [PMID: 34333868 PMCID: PMC8413788 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The amygdala subnuclei regulate emotional processing and are widely implicated in social cognitive impairments often seen in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dysregulated amygdala development has been reported in young children with ASD; less is known about amygdala maturation in later adolescence, a sensitive window for social skill development. METHODS The macrostructural development of the amygdala subnuclei was assessed at two time points in a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of adolescents with ASD (n = 23) and typically-developing adolescents (n = 15) . In adolescents with ASD, amygdala subnuclei growth was assessed in relation to ASD symptomatology based on standardized diagnostic assessments. Participants were scanned with MRI at median age of 12 years and returned for a second scan at a median age of 15 years. The volumes of nine amygdala subnuclei were extracted using an automatic segmentation algorithm. RESULTS When examining the longitudinal data acquired across two time points, adolescents with ASD had larger basolateral amygdala (BLA) nuclei volumes compared to typically developing adolescents (B = 46.8, p = 0.04). When examining ASD symptomatology in relation to the growth of the amygdala subnuclei, reciprocal social interaction scores on the ADI-R were positively associated with increased growth of the BLA nuclei (B = 8.3, p < 0.001). Growth in the medial nucleus negatively predicted the communication (B = -46.9, p = 0.02) and social (B = -47.7, p < 0.001) domains on the ADOS-G. Growth in the right cortical nucleus (B = 26.14, p = 0.02) positively predicted ADOS-G social scores. Central nucleus maturation (B = 29.9, p = 0.02) was associated with the repetitive behaviors domain on the ADOS-G. CONCLUSIONS Larger BLA volumes in adolescents with ASD may reflect underlying alterations in cellular density previously reported in post-mortem studies. Furthermore, findings demonstrate an association between regional growth in amygdala subnuclei volumes and ASD symptomatology. Improved understanding of the developmental trajectories of the amygdala subnuclei may aid in identifying key windows for interventions, particularly for social communication, in adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Seguin
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Sara Pac
- Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Jianan Wang
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Emma G Duerden
- Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, London, Canada
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