IMPLICATIONS OF AMYGDALA ABNORMALITIES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and behavioral deficits. This disorder affects more than two percent of children in the United States and can vary in severity. Little is known about the pathology of ASD, however, it is clear that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disorder. Furthermore, it has been found that amygdala abnormalities may be part of the cause of the symptoms that result in a diagnosis ASD. Key abnormalities that have been investigated include increased amygdala volume, decreased habituation of the amygdala, and aberrant connections from the amygdala to cortical regions involved in social and repetitive behaviors. This literature review integrates findings from multiple imaging studies that look at the aforementioned amygdala abnormalities as well as studies that investigate typical developmental trajectories in an attempt to uncover a potential piece of the mechanisms underlying the development of ASD. A better understanding of these mechanisms will help in the development of safe and effective treatments for individuals with ASD.