Amygdalar Volume and Behavioral Development in Autism

摘要: Context The amygdala is associated with socioemotional function and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism. Objective To examine relationship between amygdalar volume at ages 3 4 years severity clinical course outcome 6 age children autism spectrum disorder. Design Magnetic resonance images acquired were used to measure total cerebral, amygdalar, hippocampal volumes. Acquisition social communication skills was assessed semiannually using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Hierarchical linear models predict variability individual growth trajectories as a IQ, or Setting Longitudinal study Participants Forty-five disorders age. Main Outcome Measure Linear trajectory equivalence scores. Results Larger right more severe impairments years. also predictive poorer abilities years, even after controlling for IQ cerebral volume. Parallel analyses volumes found no development. Conclusions age, but not left hippocampal, volume, worse These results provide additional evidence that development behavioral