Brain mapping of language and auditory perception in high-functioning autistic adults: A PET study

Author(s): Behen, M. E., Rothermel, R. D., Chugani, D. C., Muzik, O., Mangner, T. J., Chugani, H. T.

Journal/Book: J Autism Dev Disord. 1999; 29: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA. Plenum Publ Corp. 19-31.

Abstract: We examined the brain organization for language and auditory functions in five high-functioning autistic and five normal adults, using [O-15]-water positron emission tomography (PET). Cerebral blood flow was studied for rest, listening to tones, and listening to, repeating, and generating sentences. The autism group (compared to the control group) showed (a) reversed hemispheric dominance; during verbal auditory stimulation; (b) a trend towards reduced activation of auditory cortex during acoustic stimulation; and (c) reduced cerebellar activation during non verbal auditory perception and possibly expressive language. These results are compatible with findings of cerebellar anomalies and may suggest a tendency towards atypical dominance for language in autism.

Note: Review Muller RA, Childrens Hosp, Res Ctr, 8110 La Jolla Shores Dr, Suite 200, La Jolla,CA 92037 USA

Keyword(s): autism; language; auditory perception; functional asymmetry; cerebellum; positron emission tomography; CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW; HIGH-LEVEL AUTISM; INFANTILE-AUTISM; ASPERGERS SYNDROME; CHILDHOOD AUTISM; GLUCOSE-METABOLISM; HEMISPHERIC ASYMMETRIES; POSTERIOR-FOSSA; CORPUS-CALLOSUM; CHILDREN

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