Brain and ASD Flashcards
What are the two primary ways the brain in ASD is studied?
Structural Imaging and Functional Imaging
Structural Imaging looks at brain structures and sizes, while Functional Imaging examines how the brain functions during different tasks.
What does postmortem examination provide in the study of ASD?
Fine-tuned, cellular level insights
Autopsies allow for the most detailed examination of brain changes at the cellular level.
What are gross measures in brain examination?
- Brain weight
- Brain size
- Brain shape
- Areas of atrophy
- Disease processes
Gross measures typically do not relate directly to ASD.
What are microscopic measures in brain examination?
- Characteristics of brain cells
- Quantitative brain cell counting
- Trajectories of fibers connecting brain regions
These measures help in understanding the cellular structure of the brain.
What does Structural Brain Imaging involve?
Size, volume, density, and comparisons of different brain areas
It uses techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assess brain structure.
What does Functional Brain Imaging primarily detect?
Changes in blood flow and oxygenation
Functional MRI (fMRI) is commonly used for this purpose.
What is the role of the limbic system in ASD?
Key role in emotional and social processing
It is widely connected to multiple brain regions and includes the amygdala.
True or False: ASD is typically characterized by a decrease in brain volume during adulthood.
True
Whole brain volume decreases in adulthood as a result of pruning back excess connections.
What is macrocephaly in relation to ASD?
Increased brain size, often noted by the first birthday
About 27% of individuals with ASD exhibit macrocephaly.
What brain region is associated with face processing?
Fusiform Face Area
It is located in the temporal lobe and is responsible for recognizing faces.
What atypical brain activity is observed in ASD during language tasks?
Atypical activation during prosodic and pragmatic language tasks
Brains of individuals with ASD may work harder on these tasks compared to neurotypical individuals.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a key structure involved in sensory processing and is often atypical in ASD.
Thalamus
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain
It is crucial for interhemispheric communication and integration of information.
What are some of the key brain regions implicated in ASD?
- Temporal lobes
- Limbic System
- Fusiform Face Area
- Parietal lobes
- Cerebellum
- Corpus Callosum
These regions are involved in various functions, including social and emotional processing.
What is the relationship between the amygdala and social processing in ASD?
Enlarged amygdala linked to altered social and behavioral functions
The amygdala plays a significant role in emotional significance and social signal interpretation.
What are the implications of reduced thalamic volume in ASD?
Associated with sensory processing differences
The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information.
What is the significance of the arcuate fasciculus in ASD?
Involved in language processing; volume reduced in ASD
This white matter tract connects various language-related brain areas.
What does ‘natural cell death’ in brain development refer to?
Apoptosis; selective pruning of neural connections
This process is essential for neural development and specialization.
What are some psychological functions impaired in ASD that lack a clear anatomical basis?
Social cognition, imitation, and theory of mind
These functions are often complex and involve multiple brain regions.
What is the importance of early learning in brain development?
It is strongly socially mediated and affects brain maturation
Early experiences can activate certain brain regions and influence development.
What is one of the challenges in investigating brain structure/function in ASD?
The great heterogeneity in ASD’s symptoms and brain differences
This makes it difficult to identify specific causes and effects.
What happens to nerve cells over time?
Loss of nerve cells
What is the corpus callosum?
Main white matter fiber tract connecting the left and right brain
What is the role of the corpus callosum?
Crucial for interhemispheric communication and integration of information
What is notable about the anterior portion of the corpus callosum in ASD?
It is smaller, particularly the genu and splenium
When does the prefrontal cortex develop?
Develops into early adulthood
What higher order functions are associated with the prefrontal cortex?
Attention processing, executive function, planning, organizing, inhibiting behaviors
What is atypical in ASD regarding neural connections?
Atypical connections between the frontal lobe and the rest of the brain due to myelination
What is the performance difference in working memory tasks in ASD individuals?
Dorsolateral frontal cortex shows different activation patterns
Does ASD have a universal cognitive profile?
No, there is no one cognitive profile for ASD
What are some domains assessed in a neuropsychological assessment?
- Intellect
- Memory
- Attention
- Executive function
- Adaptive behaviour
- Social Function
- Mental Health and Behaviour
- Motor function
- Sensory function
- Language
- Academics
What does a neuropsychological assessment detect?
Neurological, medical, or developmental problems
Is neuropsychological assessment necessary for ASD?
No, not typically necessary unless there is a genetic disorder
What cognitive deficits are common in ASD?
Learning disorder and epilepsy have common brain profiles
What is the historically reported pattern of cognitive ability in ASD?
Better nonverbal than verbal problem-solving is not consistent
What kind of memory strengths are seen in some individuals with ASD?
Relative strengths in rote memory
What are some attention difficulties associated with ASD?
Sustained attention, selective attention, divided attention, shifting attention
What is the relationship between ASD and ADHD?
High comorbidity; up to 95% have symptoms similar to ADHD
What are common motor function issues in individuals with ASD?
Fine motor deficits and subtle gross motor problems
What academic skills are typically stronger in ASD?
Skills requiring good memory or concrete skills
What is the goal of cognitive theories of ASD?
To establish if there is a primary cognitive deficit
What are the three main theories of ASD?
- Executive Dysfunction
- Social Cognition: Theory of Mind
- Attention: Central Coherence
What does the Executive Functioning theory suggest?
EF deficits are common but not the core cognitive cause of ASD
What does the Social Cognition theory focus on?
Problems with attributing mental states to others
What does the Central Coherence theory propose?
Individuals with ASD have a diminished ability to form coherence
Is there a single cognitive theory that explains all symptoms of ASD?
No, no existing cognitive theory can fully explain all symptoms
What is the future of cognitive theories for ASD?
Multiple deficit accounts may explain different domains
