Abstract
There is growing evidence of altered connectivity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) between the cerebellum and cortex. Three intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) are especially important to cognitive processing in ASD: the default mode network (DMN), executive control network (ECN), and salience networks (SNs). The goal of this study was to compare resting-state functional connectivity between the cerebellum and the DMN, ECN, and SN in ASD and typically developing children (n = 74, ages 7–12 years). Children with ASD showed stronger connectivity between the ventral DMN and left cerebellar lobules I–IV. No meaningful relationships were observed between ICN-cerebellar functional connectivity and ASD symptoms. These results suggest that the cerebellum contributes to altered network connectivity in ASD.
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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The Project was funded by the UAB Department of Psychology Faculty Funds; there are no conflicts of interest to be declared. Authors would like to thank Dr. Sarah O’Kelley and Dr. Kristina Visscher for their input and support concerning the conceptualization and data analysis of this project.
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HB and RK conceived of the study. HB participated in its design, performed statistical analyses, participated in interpretation, and drafted the manuscript; RK participated in interpretation and revisions to the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Bednarz, H.M., Kana, R.K. Patterns of Cerebellar Connectivity with Intrinsic Connectivity Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 49, 4498–4514 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04168-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04168-w