Health Information
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Understanding This Symptom
Medical Definition
Subject Matter Expert Verified
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities.
It is a spectrum disorder, meaning individuals can experience a wide range of symptoms and levels of severity.
The condition involves differences in brain development that affect how neurons connect and communicate, particularly in areas responsible for social cognition, language, and sensory processing.
Quick Facts
What Optimal Health Looks Like
Understanding how your body functions when healthy helps identify dysfunction
In a neurotypical brain: (1) The social brain network (including the fusiform face area, superior temporal sulcus, and medial prefrontal cortex) processes social cues and facial expressions automatically; (2) Mirror neuron systems enable imitation and empathy; (3) The amygdala properly regulates emotional responses to social stimuli; (4) Theory of mind develops, allowing understanding of others' thoughts and intentions; (5) Executive function networks enable flexible thinking and task switching; (6) Sensory processing filters and integrates sensory input appropriately; (7) Language networks develop lateralization and efficient processing; (8) Default mode network appropriately toggles between internal reflection and external engagement.
Healthy Function
Your body is designed to maintain balance and self-regulate
How This Develops
Synaptic formation and pruning differences - altered synaptic density and abnormal pruning patterns affect neural circuitry; (
Connectome differences - long-range brain connectivity may be reduced while local connectivity is increased, affecting integration of information; (
Mirror neuron system dysfunction - impaired mirroring affects imitation, empathy, and social learning; (
Amygdala alterations - differences in amygdala size and connectivity affect emotional processing and social fear responses; (
Theory of mind deficits - difficulty inferring others' mental states, intentions, and beliefs; (
Sensory processing differences - hyper-reactivity or hypo-reactivity to sensory stimuli due to altered sensory cortex organization; (
Neurotransmitter dysregulation - altered serotonin, GABA, and glutamate systems affect neural excitation/inhibition balance; (
Genetic factors - over
Environmental contributors - prenatal infections, advanced parental age, certain medications may increase risk
Understanding the mechanism helps us target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions about your health
Short-Term Consequences
Days to weeks
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Time Matters
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.