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.

In the last few years, advances in human structural and functional neuroimaging (fMRI, PET, EEG/MEG) have resulted in an explosion of studies investigating the anatomical and functional connectivity between different regions of the brain. More and more studies have employed resting and task-related connectivity analyses to assess functional interactions, and diffusion-weighted tractography to study white matter organization. Many of these studies have addressed normal human function, but recently, a number of investigators have turned their attention to examining brain disorders. The study of brain disorders is a complex endeavor; not only does it require understanding the normal brain, and the regions involved in a particular function, but also it needs a deeper understanding of brain networks and their dynamics. This Research Topic will provide the scientific community with an overview of how to apply connectivity methods to study brain disease, and with perspectives on what are the strength and limitations of each modality. For this Research Topic, we solicit both reviews and original research articles on the use of brain connectivity analysis, with non-human or human models, to explore neurological, psychiatric, developmental and neurodegenerative disorders from a system perspective. Connectivity studies that have focused on one or more of the following will be of particular interest: (1) detection of abnormal functional/structural connectivity; (2) neural plasticity, assessed by changes in connectivity, in patients with brain disorders; (3) assessment of therapy using connectivity measures; (4) relation of connectivity changes to behavioral changes.

Autism is an extremely complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is expressed in a spectrum of phenotypes and is characterised by impaired reciprocal social communication and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities. Its aetiopathogenesis remains poorly understood. This exhaustive synthesis discusses various aspects: A focus on the neurobiology of autism: the candidate genes implicate an involvement of numerous brain regions and a concomitant malfunctioning of neurotransmitter, immunologic, and other mechanisms; The most incisive rehabilitation models in their original formulation and the results achieved with the same or similar protocols in Italian centres (understanding, language therapy, social skill training; The psychopharmacologic options for the condition of autism per se and for its associated, very frequent, comorbidities. It suggests a potential influence on professional practice and enables an up-to-date approach to effective diagnosis and treatment.

This book explores the interrelationship of genetics, the environment, or both, in the causation of three neurodevelopmental disorders: autism/autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and cerebral palsy (CP). It links common clinical problems in developmental pediatrics and pediatric neurology to current concepts and translational research advances in developmental neurosciences, medical genetics, and related disciplines. The first section of the book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of development of the brain, including topics such as neuronal stem cells, epigenetics, and the influence of the prenatal environment. The next three sections analyze the epidemiology, diagnosis, interventions, and controversies and research directions associated with each of the three neurodevelopmental disorders. It also examines co-morbidities common to all three disorders, such as disturbed sleep, seizures, behavioral disorders, and pain. It concludes by highlighting the impact of ASD, FASD, and CP on family dynamics and provides tools and resources based on foundational concepts such as neuroethics, bioinformatics, community engagement, and advocacy. Learning objectives, key points, clinical vignettes, and multiple choice questions are incorporated throughout the book. With its comprehensive treatment of disease mechanisms, genetics, and pathophysiology associated with these disorders and its discussion of potential therapies and novel treatments, Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics: Genetic and Environmental Influences is an essential resource for developmental pediatricians, child neurologists, fellows, residents and graduate students.

Brain network function and dysfunction is the dominant model for understanding how the brain gives rise to normal and abnormal behavior. Moreover, neuropsychiatric illnesses continue to resist attempts to reveal an understanding of their bases. Thus, this timely volume provides a synthesis of the uses of multiple analytic methods as they are applied to neuroimaging data, to seek understanding of the neurobiological bases of psychiatric illnesses, understanding that can subsequently aid in their management and treatment. A principle focus is on the analyses and application of methods to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. fMRI remains the most widely used neuroimaging technique for estimating brain network function, and several of the methods covered can estimate brain network dysfunction in resting and task-active states. Additional chapters provide details on how these methods are (and can be) applied in the understanding of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, autism, borderline personality disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A final complement of chapters provides a collective overview of how this framework continues to provoke theoretical advances in our conception of the brain in psychiatry. This unique volume is designed to be a comprehensive resource for imaging researchers interested in psychiatry, and for psychiatrists interested in advanced imaging applications.

Infant brain damage is a serious condition that affects millions of babies each year. The period from late gestation to the first year of life is the most critical one for the development of central and autonomous nervous systems. Medical conditions such as preterm birth may compromise brain function and the end result usually is that the baby may experience long-term neurological problems related to a wide range of psychological, physical and functional complications, with consequent life-long burdens for the individuals and their families, and a high socio-economic impact for the health care system and the whole of society. During the last years, several techniques have been employed to monitor the brain functional development in utero and after birth. As well, various analytical methods have been used to understand the functional maturation of the brain and the autonomous nervous system. However, in spite of the rapid improvement of diagnostic methods and procedures, there is still a widely recognized, severe shortage of clinically viable means for the high quality monitoring of the brain function in early life with a direct relevance to acute neurological illness and future neurocognitive outcomes. The studies collected in this e-book document the most recent advancements in monitoring systems, analytical methods and clinical diagnostic procedures that contribute to increase our knowledge of the functional development of the human brain and autonomous nervous system during pregnancy and after birth, with the ultimate goal of reducing fetal impairment and improving healthcare in the neonatal and infant period.

Your critical, evidence-informed and scholarly examination of some of the key issues and debates surrounding Autism. As a student you need to have a strong grounding in Autism, but also engage in the key debates that are happening now. This book will not only not only provide you with a robust foundation but will offer you strategies to use your critical thinking by outlining and engaging with crucial discussions. Each chapter focuses upon an area related to Autism, including ethical and social arguments, transitions, international perspectives and strategies when working with autistic children, people and adults. Key features include: · Case studies of individual and collective experiences of individuals who are living with Autism and those associated with them · Exercises that encourage you to engage with key debates and research · Pauses for reflection to help you assess your own understanding · Key research that will provide you with a better critical knowledge Trevor Cotterill is Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) SEND at the University of Derby.