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Genetic Factors
Abnormal Brain Structures and Implications with Autism

The impairment in social cognition where there are deficits in communication, pattern of behavior and motor activity are hypothesized to require integration of multiple regions of the brain. This points to how neurological factors may play a role in the development of autism, as the deficits seen in those with autism suggest a disruption or abnormality in the normal development of the brain. The most critical skill for social development is “theory of mind” or the attribution of mental states to self and others.

Neuroimaging studies support this as they suggest that areas of the brain such as the cerebellum, cerebrum, amygdala and the hippocampus are structurally abnormal in individuals with autism. Similar research done with brain scans also suggests that the overall brain volume of children who were later diagnosed with autism appears to be normal at birth, but at ages 2 to 4 90% of the children diagnosed have brain volumes larger than the normal average. Ultimately, the abnormal structure, developments and overall dysfunctions of the brains of those with autism could be the result of genetics.