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Visuospatial processing and the function of prefrontal-parietal networks in autism spectrum disorders: a functional MRI study

journal contribution
posted on 2006-08-01, 00:00 authored by Tim SilkTim Silk, Nicole Rinehart, J L Bradshaw, B Tonge, G Egan, M W O'Boyle, R Cunnington
OBJECTIVE: Individuals with autism spectrum disorders typically have normal visuospatial abilities but impaired executive functioning, particularly in abilities related to working memory and attention. The aim of this study was to elucidate the functioning of frontoparietal networks underlying spatial working memory processes during mental rotation in persons with autism spectrum disorders. METHOD: Seven adolescent males with normal IQ with an autism spectrum disorder and nine age- and IQ-matched male comparison subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scans while performing a mental rotation task. RESULTS: The autism spectrum disorders group showed less activation in lateral and medial premotor cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and caudate nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of less activation in prefrontal regions but not in parietal regions supports a model of dysfunction of frontostriatal networks in autism spectrum disorders.

History

Journal

American journal of psychiatry

Volume

163

Issue

8

Pagination

1440 - 1443

Publisher

American Psychiatric Association Publishing

Location

Arlington, Va.

ISSN

0002-953X

eISSN

1535-7228

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2006, American Psychiatric Association