ASD involves atypical development across multiple brain networks. Key regions implicated include:
- Prefrontal Cortex: Executive function, social cognition, decision-making—often shows altered connectivity and activation.
- Amygdala: Emotion processing, fear, social threat detection—differences in volume, reactivity, and connectivity linked to anxiety and social difficulties.
- Hippocampus: Memory formation, contextual learning—structural and functional differences affect declarative memory and flexibility.
- Cerebellum: Motor coordination, timing, cognitive modulation—consistent findings of reduced Purkinje cells and volume.
- Temporoparietal Junction (TPJ): Theory of mind, perspective-taking—hypoactivation in ASD.
- Fusiform Face Area: Face processing—reduced specialization.
- Corpus Callosum: Interhemispheric integration—altered white matter connectivity.
ASD is not caused by a single lesion but by distributed network differences shaped by genetic and environmental factors. Neurodiversity reflects this heterogeneity.
