Autism spectrum disorder: does neuroimaging support the DSM-5 proposal for a symptom dyad? A systematic review of functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging studies

J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Jul;42(7):1326-41. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1360-4.

Abstract

A systematic review of 208 studies comprising functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging data in patients with 'autism spectrum disorder' (ASD) was conducted, in order to determine whether these data support the forthcoming DSM-5 proposal of a social communication and behavioral symptom dyad. Studies consistently reported abnormal function and structure of fronto-temporal and limbic networks with social and pragmatic language deficits, of temporo-parieto-occipital networks with syntactic-semantic language deficits, and of fronto-striato-cerebellar networks with repetitive behaviors and restricted interests in ASD patients. Therefore, this review partially supports the DSM-5 proposal for the ASD dyad.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Asperger Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain Mapping
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / physiopathology
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / physiopathology
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Development Disorders / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Social Behavior
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Oxygen