Baby Brain Scans Reveal Early Autism Patterns
New research shows brain differences in autism may appear in infancy, potentially enabling earlier support.
Scientists studying autism spectrum disorder found two altered patterns of combined white-matter and gray-matter functional network connectivity: gray-matter-related hypoconnectivity centered on the paralimbic network and white-matter–gray-matter hyperconnectivity centered on the frontal network. In an independent infant cohort, infants with a higher familial likelihood of autism showed greater mean expression of autism-associated connectivity patterns than those with a lower familial likelihood, as quantified by brain-wide risk scores. The authors note these group-level findings do not establish developmental persistence or predict diagnostic outcomes at the individual level.
- Infants with a family history of autism show distinct brain connectivity patterns involving both gray and white matter.
- These patterns appear earlier than typical autism diagnosis, suggesting potential for earlier intervention.
- The study is not a diagnostic tool; it shows group-level differences, not individual predictions.
Why It Matters
This could lead to earlier autism detection and support, improving outcomes for children and families.