# Autism and the Brain

## Contents

- Introduction: Introducing the brain
- Anatomy of the brain:
  Overall shape
  - Explore the lobes
  - Explore structures
  - Development
  - Neurons and networks
- Anatomy of the brain in autism:

- Structure
- Integrating approaches
- Pathways, networks and development
- Conclusion

- Test your understanding:

- Question 1
- Question 2
- Question 3
- Acknowledgements
- Help

## Autism and the Brain: Acknowledgements

This activity was written, designed and developed by:

Rosa Hoekstra, Brian Richardson, Ilona Roth, Stephen Swithenby (Faculty of Science, The Open University), Sara Hack and Jon Owen (Graphic artists, Learning and Teaching Solutions, The Open University).

Multimedia Assistant:
Joseph Swithenby.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following sources:

Figures

Alzheimers brain: © Peter Arnold Inc/Alamy;

Neonatal brain: Mr G Mosco/Science Photo Library;

Einstein's Brain: Witelson, S. F.,Kigara, S. F. and Harvey, T. (1999) The Lancet, Volume 353, Issue 9170, 19 June 1999. Elsevier Science;

Photograph of student graduating university: © Photodisc;
Brain connection using diffusion tensor imaging: Wilde, E.A. etal. (2008) 'Diffusion tensor imaging of acute mild traumatic brain injury in adolescents', Neurology, 2008: 70. American Academy of Neurology;

Structure of the brain in Autism: Amaral, N. G., Schumann, C. M. and Wu Nordahl, C. (2007) 'Neuroanatomy of Autism', Trends in Neuroscience, Vol 31, Issue 3, March 2008. Elsevier Science;

Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders. If any have been inadvertently overlooked the publishers will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity.

Copyright © 2009 The Open University and its licensors.
All rights reserved.

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