Exploring fMRI Biomarkers for Early Autism Prediction in Fragile X Syndrome

Neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) often share similar behavioral and cognitive traits, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complex. While ASD typically arises from a mix of genetic and environmental influences, FXS is directly linked to mutations in the FMR1 gene. This review highlights recent progress in the use of neuroimaging—especially functional MRI (fMRI)—and machine learning, both of which are playing a growing role in improving diagnostic accuracy and deepening our understanding of how the brain functions in ASD and FXS. By exploring the latest research, we show how these tools help uncover both unique and overlapping patterns in brain activity, laying the groundwork for earlier diagnosis and more personalized interventions. These developments point to the powerful potential of combining brain imaging and AI to transform the way we approach diagnosis and care. Continued collaboration across disciplines is key to refining these techniques and moving closer to precision medicine in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.