# 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: Anatomy of the brain in autism

### Structure

The brains of people with autism look very similar to those of the general population. Although there are small average differences, an individual with autistm cannot be easily distinguished by the size or shape of their brain. Any characteristic brain difference must be sought at a more subtle level.

As you discovered in an earlier section of this activity, there are clear associations between specific types of thinking and behaviour and specific parts of the brain. If autism is characterised by particular types of behaviour, can these be traced to specific structures of the brain? Can we find one or more parts of the brain that are associated with autism?

You can explore associations between autistic behaviour and brain anatomy by clicking on the structures in the table below that are linked to autism. There are many such structures – far too many to memorise.

Back to: Anatomy of the brain: Neurons and networks
Forward to: Anatomy of the brain in autism: Integrating approaches