title: Neural signatures of autism spectrum disorders: insights into brain network dynamics.
abstract: Neuroimaging investigations of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have advanced our understanding of atypical brain function and structure, and have recently converged on a model of altered network-level connectivity. Traditional task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volume-based structural MRI studies have identified widespread atypicalities in brain regions involved in social behavior and other core ASD-related behavioral deficits. More recent advances in MR-neuroimaging methods allow for quantification of brain connectivity using diffusion tensor imaging, functional connectivity, and graph theoretic methods. These newer techniques have moved the field toward a systems-level understanding of ASD etiology, integrating functional and structural measures across distal brain regions. Neuroimaging findings in ASD as a whole have been mixed and at times contradictory, likely due to the vast genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity characteristic of the disorder. Future longitudinal studies of brain development will be crucial to yield insights into mechanisms of disease etiology in ASD sub-populations. Advances in neuroimaging methods and large-scale collaborations will also allow for an integrated approach linking neuroimaging, genetics, and phenotypic data.
authors.affiliation: 1] Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [3] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Leanna M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.affiliation: 1] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Rudie
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [3] Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Shulamite A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [3] Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bookheimer
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Mirella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dapretto
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*