In this exploratory/developmental application, we propose a novel approach to the investigation of the pathophysiology of autism, which is increasingly understood as a dysconnection syndrome. This proposal aims to provide further insights into the significance of cortico-cortical under-connectivity in autism, by relating ecologically meaningful measures of social impairment (a key dysfunction in autism) to the integrity of a network centered in perigenual anterior cingulate cortex, commonly implicated in social cognition. In addition, it aims to explore the relationship of ecologically meaningful measures of executive function (often impaired in autism) to a network based in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, typically implicated in executive control. Unlike prior investigations of autism-related abnormalities in each of these networks, we propose to accomplish these aims using recently developed resting state blood-oxygenation level dependent fMRI measures of functional connectivity (i.e., inter-regional temporal coherence). We also propose to assess white matter integrity using diffusion tensor imaging and examine the relation between measures of structural integrity and functional connectivity. We hypothesize that autism-related compromises in neuronal connectivity will be related to indices of social and cognitive impairment, the Social Responsiveness Scale, and the Behavioral Response Inventory of Executive Functions, respectively. We propose to compare complete data from 30 adult males with high-functioning autism to 30 neurotypical controls group- matched for age, sex, handedness, full scale IQ, and socioeconomic status. This approach has the potential to inform our understanding of fundamental impairments in autism and consequently to transform current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Public Health Relevance

We propose to apply a novel approach to better understand the brain mechanisms involved in autism, a common condition that is associated with significant functional impairments, and immense suffering. We will study two brain networks that in neurotypical controls are commonly associated with social and cognitive control skills, both of which are thought to be disrupted in individuals with autism. We will enroll a group of adults with autism to compare their data to those of neurotypical volunteers. The proposed work introduces new techniques for the study of brain circuits in autism, and has the potential to further inform our understanding of the neural basis of autism, so that we can improve methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21MH084126-01A1
Application #
7660131
Study Section
Child Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Study Section (CPDD)
Program Officer
Gilotty, Lisa
Project Start
2009-04-01
Project End
2011-03-31
Budget Start
2009-04-01
Budget End
2010-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$265,044
Indirect Cost
Name
New York University
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
121911077
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10016
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Di Martino, Adriana; O'Connor, David; Chen, Bosi et al. (2017) Enhancing studies of the connectome in autism using the autism brain imaging data exchange II. Sci Data 4:170010
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Alaerts, Kaat; Nayar, Kritika; Kelly, Clare et al. (2015) Age-related changes in intrinsic function of the superior temporal sulcus in autism spectrum disorders. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 10:1413-23

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