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Neuroimages in Autism

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Translational Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

This chapter summarizes findings of the morphological and functional brain changes in autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), demonstrated by a growing body of researches that employs diverse neuroimaging methods. We discuss major anatomical findings from studies in ASD utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We also explore findings from functional MRI (fMRI) studies, including task-related activation studies and functional connectivity. Regional changes in brain metabolism are examined using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and nuclear medicine techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission tomography (SPECT). Finally, we highlight directions for continued research in neuroimaging of ASD at a network level using graph theoretical approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brain Images Processing Group, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba

    Rafael Rodríguez-Rojas, Karla Batista & Maylen Carballo

  2. Neurophysiology Department, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba

    Calixto Machado

  3. The National Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nazareth, Israel

    Gerry Leisman

  4. O.R.T.-Bruade College of Engineering, Karmiel, Israel

    Gerry Leisman

Authors
  1. Rafael Rodríguez-Rojas
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  2. Calixto Machado
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  3. Karla Batista
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  4. Maylen Carballo
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  5. Gerry Leisman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rafael Rodríguez-Rojas .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroimmunology Department, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba

    Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte

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Rodríguez-Rojas, R., Machado, C., Batista, K., Carballo, M., Leisman, G. (2015). Neuroimages in Autism. In: Robinson-Agramonte, M. (eds) Translational Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16321-5_6

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