Characterizing cortical morphology alterations in ASD children aged 12 to 48 months

Motivation: Investigate the age-specific anatomical abnormalities in the brains of children with ASD, and provide valuable insights into the development and progression of the disorder. Goal(s): Analyze the differences in cortical thickness, surface area, and volume between individuals with ASD and typically developing control (TDC) children aged 12-48 months. Approach: The study reconstructed the cerebral cortex from MRI images of children aged 12 to 48 months in ASD and TDC groups, analyzing the differences of cortical thickness, surface area and volume between groups. Results: The study identified different growth trajectories in cortical thickness, surface area and volume growth in ASD and TDC groups. Impact: The study highlights the significance of investigating the neural underpinnings of ASD, which can ultimately lead to more effective treatments and support for affected individuals and their families.