Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Development in Autism

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Development in Autism

The purpose of this study is to investigate brain development in autism by longitudinally assessing children with autism, as well as typically developing controls, using advanced MR techniques. We will use longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures to investigate the protracted development of long-range white matter fibers in autism. In addition, we will investigate the effect of autism risk genes on brain development.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 6 - 18 years at initial MRI

Inclusion criteria for subjects with autism

1) DSM-IV (APA, 1994) diagnosis of autism, according to ADI-R interview

Inclusion criteria for controls

1. no DSM-IV (APA, 1994) diagnosis, according to DISC interview
2. no scores in the clinical range on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Rating Form (TRF)
3. IQ > 70

Exclusion Criteria:

1. major illness of the cardiovascular, the endocrine, the pulmonal or the gastrointestinal system
2. presence of metal objects in or around the body (pacemaker, dental braces)
3. history of or present neurological disorder
4. for individuals over 12 years of age: legal incompetence, defined as the obvious inability to comprehend the information that is presented by the investigator and is outlined in the Information letter and on which the decision to participate in the study is to be based