# 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

### Development

Autism is a condition in which the person’s development follows a path that differs markedly from the norm. In this section you will learn about the development of the human brain both before birth and in childhood.

### Before birth:

In order for the brain to be able to execute its complex tasks, it undergoes an intricate process of development. In this section you will learn how the human brain develops typically, both before birth and in childhood. Later in the activity, you will learn how brain development is thought to be different in autism. Click on the play button to begin.

audio transcript

### During childhood:

Although the brain of a newly born child looks very similar to that of an adult, it undergoes huge changes over the first few years of life. Click on the play button to continue.

audio transcript

Back to: Anatomy of the brain: Explore structures
Forward to: Anatomy of the brain: Neurons and networks