Author(s): Manuel F. CASANOVA | Meghan MOTT
Journal: Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation
ISSN 1409-6099
Volume: 7;
Issue: 3-4;
Start page: 21;
Date: 2006;
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Original page
Keywords: autism | neuropathology
ABSTRACT
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in cognitive, language and social skills. While the etiology remains unclear, it is viewed primarily as a highly heritable disorder. In this article, characteristic neuroanatomical morphological findings associated with autism are selectively reviewed and their implications for behavioral manifestations are discussed. Although there is general consistency among the classic neuropathological observations, conflicting findings are a feature of the literature. All studies suffer from small sample size and the high comorbidity of autism with other neurological/psychiatric diseases. Larger study populations due in part to increased prevalence and awareness of autism allow for greater statistical power validity. New imaging and postmortem techniques employed in these studies hold out the promise of resolving conflicts and ambiguities in the data, providing a basis for enhanced understanding of the neuropathology and treatment of this condition.
Journal: Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation
ISSN 1409-6099
Volume: 7;
Issue: 3-4;
Start page: 21;
Date: 2006;
VIEW PDF
DOWNLOAD PDF Original pageKeywords: autism | neuropathology
ABSTRACT
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in cognitive, language and social skills. While the etiology remains unclear, it is viewed primarily as a highly heritable disorder. In this article, characteristic neuroanatomical morphological findings associated with autism are selectively reviewed and their implications for behavioral manifestations are discussed. Although there is general consistency among the classic neuropathological observations, conflicting findings are a feature of the literature. All studies suffer from small sample size and the high comorbidity of autism with other neurological/psychiatric diseases. Larger study populations due in part to increased prevalence and awareness of autism allow for greater statistical power validity. New imaging and postmortem techniques employed in these studies hold out the promise of resolving conflicts and ambiguities in the data, providing a basis for enhanced understanding of the neuropathology and treatment of this condition.
