The three core domains that characterize autism are the domain of social behavior, the language domain and the restricted behavior domain (RB). RB consists of behaviors which represent distinct components of the larger construct (e.g. stereotyped, self-injurious, compulsive, ritualistic, sameness and restricted behaviors). This research will explore autism-specific neuroanatomic abnormalities and their relationship to RB using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shape and volume measures. Two main hypotheses drive this research. 1) There will be shape and volume differences between children and adolescents with autism and non-autistic children in brain regions previously related to RB, the caudate nucleus and the anterior cingulate gyrus. 2) Distinct Brain Regions measured using structural MRI, will be related to distinct components of RB. Specifically, A) Compulsive behavior will show a specific relationship to the anterior cingulate gyrus. B) Ritualistic behavior will show a specific relationship to the caudate nucleus. This research will inform our understanding of the biological basis of both repetitive behavior and autism, leading to better treatments and more directed genetic research.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Individual Predoctoral NRSA for M.D./Ph.D. Fellowships (ADAMHA) (F30)
Project #
1F30NS048615-01A1
Application #
6885154
Study Section
NST-2 Subcommittee (NST)
Program Officer
Mamounas, Laura
Project Start
2005-05-01
Project End
2011-04-30
Budget Start
2005-05-01
Budget End
2006-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$31,502
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
Knaus, Tracey A; Silver, Andrew M; Dominick, Kelli C et al. (2009) Age-Related Changes in the Anatomy of Language Regions in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Imaging Behav 3:51-63
Dominick, Kelli C; Davis, Naomi Ornstein; Lainhart, Janet et al. (2007) Atypical behaviors in children with autism and children with a history of language impairment. Res Dev Disabil 28:145-62