Brain Connectivity in Autism

Brain Connectivity in Autism PDF Author: Rajesh K. Kana
Publisher: Frontiers E-books
ISBN: 2889192822
Category : Autism
Languages : en
Pages : 265

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Book Description
The brain's ability to process information crucially relies on connectivity. Understanding how the brain processes complex information and how such abilities are disrupted in individuals with neuropsychological disorders will require an improved understanding of brain connectivity. Autism is an intriguingly complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multidimensional symptoms and cognitive characteristics. A biological origin for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) had been proposed even in the earliest published accounts (Kanner, 1943; Asperger, 1944). Despite decades of research, a focal neurobiological marker for autism has been elusive. Nevertheless, disruptions in interregional and functional and anatomical connectivity have been a hallmark of neural functioning in ASD. Theoretical accounts of connectivity perceive ASD as a cognitive and neurobiological disorder associated with altered functioning of integrative circuitry. Neuroimaging studies have reported disruptions in functional connectivity (synchronization of activated brain areas) during cognitive tasks and during task-free resting states. While these insights are valuable, they do not address the time-lagged causality and directionality of such correlations. Despite the general promise of the connectivity account of ASD, inconsistencies and methodological differences among studies call for more thorough investigations. A comprehensive neurological account of ASD should incorporate functional, effective, and anatomical connectivity measures and test the diagnostic utility of such measures. In addition, questions pertaining to how cognitive and behavioral intervention can target connection abnormalities in ASD should be addressed. This research topic of the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience addresses “Brain Connectivity in Autism” primarily from cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging perspectives.

Comprehensive Guide to Autism

Comprehensive Guide to Autism PDF Author: Vinood B. Patel
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9781461447870
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Autism is a complex multifaceted disorder affecting neurodevelopment during the early years of life and, for many, throughout the life span. Inherent features include difficulties or deficits in communication, social interaction, cognition, and interpersonal behavioral coordination, to name just a few. Autism profoundly impacts the affected individual, the family, and, in many cases, the localized communities. The increased prevalence of childhood autism has resulted in rapid developments in a wide range of disciplines in recent years. Nevertheless, despite intensive research, the cause(s) remain unresolved and no single treatment strategy is employed. To address these issues, Comprehensive Guide to Autism is an all-embracing reference that offers analyses and discussions of contemporary issues in the field of autism. The work brings together scientific material from leading experts in the field relating to a wide range of important current topics, such as the early identification and treatment of children with autism, pertinent social and behavioral studies, recent developments in genetics and immunology, the influence of diet, models of autism, and future treatment prospects. Comprehensive Guide to Autism contains essential readings for behavioral science researchers, psychologists, physicians, social workers, parents, and caregivers.

Brain Connectivity in Autism

Brain Connectivity in Autism PDF Author: Rajesh K. Kana
Publisher: Frontiers E-books
ISBN: 2889192822
Category : Autism
Languages : en
Pages : 265

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Book Description
The brain's ability to process information crucially relies on connectivity. Understanding how the brain processes complex information and how such abilities are disrupted in individuals with neuropsychological disorders will require an improved understanding of brain connectivity. Autism is an intriguingly complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multidimensional symptoms and cognitive characteristics. A biological origin for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) had been proposed even in the earliest published accounts (Kanner, 1943; Asperger, 1944). Despite decades of research, a focal neurobiological marker for autism has been elusive. Nevertheless, disruptions in interregional and functional and anatomical connectivity have been a hallmark of neural functioning in ASD. Theoretical accounts of connectivity perceive ASD as a cognitive and neurobiological disorder associated with altered functioning of integrative circuitry. Neuroimaging studies have reported disruptions in functional connectivity (synchronization of activated brain areas) during cognitive tasks and during task-free resting states. While these insights are valuable, they do not address the time-lagged causality and directionality of such correlations. Despite the general promise of the connectivity account of ASD, inconsistencies and methodological differences among studies call for more thorough investigations. A comprehensive neurological account of ASD should incorporate functional, effective, and anatomical connectivity measures and test the diagnostic utility of such measures. In addition, questions pertaining to how cognitive and behavioral intervention can target connection abnormalities in ASD should be addressed. This research topic of the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience addresses “Brain Connectivity in Autism” primarily from cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging perspectives.

Handbook of Intraindividual Variability Across the Life Span

Handbook of Intraindividual Variability Across the Life Span PDF Author: Manfred Diehl
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136285229
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 597

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Book Description
Intraindividual variability (IIV) of human development and behavior across the entire life-span is explored in this new book. Leading researchers summarize recent findings on the extent, role, and function of IIV in human development with a focus on how, when, and why individuals change over time. The latest theoretical, methodological, and technological advances are reviewed. The book explores the historical and theoretical background and challenges of IIV research along with its role and function in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Edited to maximize consistency and accessibility, each chapter includes an introduction and a review of the research and most explore future directions, new theoretical developments, and conclusions and implications. Readers are shown that by focusing on the individual as a unit of analysis across different time scales, conditions, and situations, researchers can effectively demonstrate behavioral and developmental regularities at different points of the life-span. As such this book is a must have for anybody interested in IIV research. The book explores: -New designs and methods for the analysis of intensive repeated measures data. -The importance of real-time data for more time sensitive and ecologically valid measurements. -The role and function of intraindividual variability in behavior and development across the life-span -- from infancy to later life. -Numerous examples of how intraindividual variability research is conducted. -Topics and findings that are commonly treated in disparate bodies of literature from various disciplines. Part 1 provides a historical, conceptual, and methodological overview of the study of intraindividual variability (IIV). IIV during childhood and adolescence and its application in the investigation of development of language acquisition, infant-parent interactions, development of motor skills, cognitive development, mood regulation, and identity development are examined in Part 2. Part 3 focuses on IIV during adult development, including its use in neuropsychological functioning and attention and in personality development and mood regulation. IIV in the context of adults’ health behavior is also reviewed. Part 4 examines the key issues and challenges of IIV research in human development such as whether IIV in adult development is an indicator of vulnerability or resilience, the association between short-term IIV and long-term developmental change, and multiple time-scale design and analysis. The volume concludes with a look at the future of intraindividual variation analysis. Intended for advanced students and researchers in developmental psychology across the life-span, social, personality, and health psychology, as well as sociology, family studies, gerontology, education, and medicine, interested in intraindividual variability of behavior and its role in human development, this book also serves as a text for graduate courses on longitudinal analysis, multilevel modeling, and/or (advanced) data analysis offered in these departments. Knowledge in human development or life course sociology and graduate-level statistics is recommended.

The Pediatric Cerebellum, An Issue of Neuroimaging Clinics of North America

The Pediatric Cerebellum, An Issue of Neuroimaging Clinics of North America PDF Author: Thierry A. G. M. Huisman
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0323459781
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 193

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Book Description
This issue of Neuroimaging Clinics of North America focuses on The Pediatric Cerebellum, and is edited by Drs. Huisman and Andrea Poretti. Articles will include: The role of the pediatric cerebellum in motor functions, neurocognition and behavior: a clinical perspective; Normal development of the cerebellum: from the fetus to the adolescent; Cerebellar malformations; Cerebellar disruptions; Metabolic disorders with cerebellar involvement; Neurocutaenous syndromes with cerebellar involvement; Vascular disorders of the cerebellum; Tumors of the cerebellum; Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the cerebellum; Cerebro-cerebellar network, and more!

The Role of the Brainstem and Cerebellum in Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (DD)

The Role of the Brainstem and Cerebellum in Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (DD) PDF Author: Eric London
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2832501974
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 199

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Book Description


Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience PDF Author: Sara Palermo
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1789840511
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 162

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Book Description
What do we mean by "behavioral neuroscience?" This volume aims at providing an overview of behavioral neuroscience and deepening neuronal mechanisms and brain circuits that regulate the fundamental aspects of human behavior, such as cognitive and emotional functions. It is intended to give the reader the most up-to-date vision of how the interaction between biological mechanisms and neurocognitive processes leads to complex and highly organized behaviors.In recent years the strong impulse given to research on behavioral neuroscience has produced a large literature that documents the high level of complexity of the issue, for which it is necessary to provide a reasoned multidimensional analysis able to integrate the expertise of different disciplines.The book offers an excellent synopsis of perspectives, methods, empirical evidences, and international references. Therefore, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to target neuroscientific hot topics and to outline new horizons in the study of the relationship between brain and behavior.

The Role of the Cerebellum in Cognition

The Role of the Cerebellum in Cognition PDF Author: Giuseppina Rizzo
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889746798
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 137

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Book Description


Third-Generation Neuroimaging: Translating Research into Clinical Utility

Third-Generation Neuroimaging: Translating Research into Clinical Utility PDF Author: André Schmidt
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889450449
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Psychiatric imaging needs to move away from simple investigations of the neurobiology underling the early phases of psychiatric diseases to translate imaging findings in the clinical field targeting clinical outcomes including transition, remission and response to preventative interventions. This research topic aims to bring psychiatric neuroimaging studies towards translational impacts in clinical practice, suggesting that brain abnormalities may be of potential use for detecting clinical outcomes as treatment response. First-generation psychiatric neuroimaging focused on simple structural brain alterations associated with the neurobiology of the illness. These early studies adopted imaging methods mainly including computerized tomography (CT) to investigate brain size. Second-generation psychiatric neuroimaging studies benefited from more sophisticated techniques which included structural methods (sMRI) coupled with whole-brain automated methods (voxel based morphometry, VBM), white-matter methods (diffusion tensor imaging, DTI and tractography), functional methods (functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) and advanced neurochemical imaging (PET techniques addressing receptor bindings and pre/post synaptic functions, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRS) and sophisticated meta-analytical imaging methods. However, no consistent or reliable anatomical or functional brain alterations have been univocally associated with any psychiatric disorder and no clinical applications have been developed in psychiatric neuroimaging. There is thus urgent need of psychiatric imaging to move towards third-generation paradigms. In this research topic, these novel neuroimaging studies here requested to move away from simple investigations of the neurobiology to translate imaging findings in the clinical field targeting longitudinal outcomes including transition, remission and response to preventative interventions. With respect to methods, the most recent neuroimaging approaches (e.g. structural and functional MRI, EEG, DTI, spectroscopy, PET) are welcome. Third generation psychiatric imaging studies including multimodal approaches, multi-center analyses, mega-analyses, effective connectivity, dynamic causal modelling, support vector machines, structural equation modelling, or graph theory analysis are highly appreciated. Furthermore, these third-generation imaging studies may benefit from the incorporation of new sources of neurobiological information such as whole genome sequencing, proteomic, lipidomic and expression profiles and cellular models derived from recent induced pluripotent stem cells research. We collect Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Book Review, Clinical Case Study, Clinical Trial, Editorial, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Opinion, Perspective, and Technology Report from international researcher and clinicians in this field. The purpose of this research topic is intended to provide the field with current third-generation neuroimaging approaches in translational psychiatry that is hoped to improve and create therapeutic options for psychiatric diseases.

Cognitive Plasticity in Neurologic Disorders

Cognitive Plasticity in Neurologic Disorders PDF Author: Joseph I. Tracy
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199965242
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 433

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Book Description
This volume makes clear that the cognitive and behavioural symptoms of neurologic disorders and syndromes are dynamic and changing. Each chapter describes the neuroplastic processes at work in a particular condition, giving rise to these ongoing cognitive changes.

Essential Pathways and Circuits of Autism Pathogenesis

Essential Pathways and Circuits of Autism Pathogenesis PDF Author: Gül Dölen
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889199053
Category : Genetics
Languages : en
Pages : 183

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Book Description
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 68 children in the United states is afflicted with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), yet at this time, there is no cure for the disease. Autism is characterized by delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize and adapt to novelty. The condition is typically identified in children around 3 years of age, however the high heritability of autism suggests that the disease process begins at conception. The identification of over 500 ASD risk genes, has enabled the molecular genetic dissection of the pathogenesis of the disease in model organisms such as mice. Despite the genetic heterogeneity of ASD etiology, converging evidence suggests that these disparate genetic lesions may result in the disruption of a limited number of key biochemical pathways or circuits. Classification of patients into groups by pathogenic rather than etiological categories, will likely aid future therapeutic development and clinical trials. In this set of papers, we explore the existing evidence supporting this view. Specifically, we focus on biochemical cascades such as mTOR and ERK signaling, the mRNA network bound by FMRP and UBE3A, dorsal and ventral striatal circuits, cerebellar circuits, hypothalamic projections, as well as prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortical circuits. Special attention will be given to studies that demonstrate the necessity and/or sufficiency of genetic disruptions (e.g. by molecular deletion and/or replacement) in these pathways and circuits for producing characteristic behavioral features of autism. Necessarily these papers will be heavily weighted towards basic mechanisms elucidated in animal models, but may also include investigations in patients.