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Intrinsic Structural Connectivity of the Default Mode Network and Behavioral Correlates of Executive Function and Social Skills in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

Brain connectivity of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is heterogenous, as are the behavioral manifestations. The current study investigated brain-behavior relationships in the context of social skills and executive function profiles with data from the Autism Brain Imaging Database Exchange II. We calculated connectivity measures from diffusion tensor imaging using Bayesian estimation and probabilistic tractography. Subsequently, we performed structural equation modeling by regressing three latent factors, yielded from an exploratory factor analysis, onto total default mode network (DMN) connectivity. Both social regulation processing and self-directed cognitive processing factors moderately, negatively correlated with total DMN connectivity. Our findings indicate social regulation processing difficulties in youth with ASD may be attributable to impaired connectivity between the anterior and posterior DMN.

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Funding

The current study utilized data from the Autism Brain Imaging Database Exchange (ABIDE) II, which is supported by NIMH Grant R21MH107045. The authors did not receive any funding for the current study, and the authors do not have any ties to the grant funding this ABIDE II data aggregation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41230, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1230, USA

    Jessica Blume & Ann Mastergeorge

  2. Department of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA

    Chanaka Kahathuduwa

Authors
  1. Jessica Blume
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  2. Chanaka Kahathuduwa
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  3. Ann Mastergeorge
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study design and development. Preparation of behavioral data was completed by JB, and preparation of neuroimaging data was completed by CK. Model analysis was led by JB, and interpretation of models was a collaboration of all authors. Manuscript writing was led by JB. All authors contributed to the manuscript writing, revisions, and approval of the final manuscript submitted.

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Correspondence to Jessica Blume.

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Blume, J., Kahathuduwa, C. & Mastergeorge, A. Intrinsic Structural Connectivity of the Default Mode Network and Behavioral Correlates of Executive Function and Social Skills in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 1930–1941 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05460-y

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