Researchers Identify Two Biologically Distinct Subtypes of Autism Using Brain Scans
Scientists analyzing brain scans from nearly 1,000 people with autism, combined with data from 20 genetically engineered mouse models, have identified two distinct neurological subtypes: one marked by increased brain connectivity and one by decreased connectivity. The study represents a significant effort to move beyond treating autism as a single uniform condition by grounding subtypes in measurable biological differences. The findings could reshape how autism is diagnosed and treated, potentially enabling more targeted therapeutic approaches.
A new study has found evidence that autism spectrum disorder may encompass at least two biologically distinct subtypes, differentiated by opposing patterns of brain communication. Researchers combined neuroimaging data from approximately 1,000 individuals with autism with findings from 20 genetically engineered mouse models to identify these patterns. One subtype is characterized by 'hyperconnectivity,' in which brain regions communicate more than typical, while the other involves 'hypoconnectivity,' or reduced communication between brain regions. The use of animal models alongside human brain scans allowed researchers to link specific genetic factors to each connectivity pattern, strengthening the biological basis of the distinction. This research challenges the longstanding practice of treating autism as a single condition and may help explain why individuals on the spectrum can present with vastly different symptoms and responses to intervention. If validated in further studies, the findings could pave the way for more personalized diagnostic and treatment strategies tailored to each subtype.
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The article does not specify the journal in which the study was published, the institutions involved, or whether the findings have been peer-reviewed and replicated, all of which are important for assessing the strength of the conclusions.
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Brain scans reveal two distinct types of autism
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