Research: Superior Temporal Sulcus Anatomical Abnormalities in Childhood Autism: A Voxel-Based Morphometry MRI Study

This article describes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to document unusual brain structures in children with autism.

The authors use brain imaging in order to better understand the underlying neurobiology (effect on the brain) of autism. They found that children with autism have structural abnormalities in that portion of the brain known as the “social brain.” MRIs of monkeys and normal subjects have found that the social brain processes biological movements including movements of the eyes, mouth, hands, and body. They discuss studies that suggest the social brain is involved in successful imitation of and human voice perception, both of which are essential skills for interpersonal communication. The authors conclude that the structural abnormalities documented in their research are consistent with poor eye contact during communication and difficulty reading body language that have been noted in children with autism.