Objectives: To assess large-scale cortical functional connectivity in children with and without autism, using resting-state fMRI.
Methods: Resting-state fMRI data was collected in 25 typically developing (TD) children (age 8-17), 25 children with ASDs, and 50 typical adults. Maps of functional connectivity were computed in each group, using a range of seeds defined functionally using a portion of the adult dataset. Seeds included regions of the default mode, fronto-parietal attention, cingulo-insular control, and other networks. These maps were compared between TD and ASD groups.
Results: Overal, long-range cortical functional connections were largely similar in the TD and ASD groups, with few differences found. However, we do find a striking difference in the functional connectivity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), particularly with other regions of the ventral default mode network subnetwork, such as parahippocampal and retrosplenial cortices.
Conclusions: In contrast with prior reports of global underconnectivity in individuals with ASD, cortical functional connectivity appears to be largely intact in children with ASD. However, there is a marked reduction of connectivity of vmPFC, particularly with regions of the default mode network. This may relate to prior findings of vmPFC-lesion-like behavioral abnormalities in ASD, and fMRI results indicating altered response properties of vmPFC.
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