Susan Bookheimer
Mirella Dapretto

Our research uses functional magnetic resonance imaging — fMRI — to try to understand what differences in brain function give rise to the major symptoms of autism, especially in language, social communication, joint attention, and emotion. MRI scans of brain structure in children with autism and Asperger's show few, if any, differences from those of typically developing children, yet we know that the brain works or is connected differently. Functional MRI differs from the standard MRI scans in that it shows how the brain is working as it tries to perform tasks that are important for autism. FMRI is safe, non-invasive, and can be performed easily in children as young as seven or eight. Our center provides a virtual-reality environment in the scanner with wide-screen TV goggles that help prevent feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia, and are also used to present the tasks.

By comparing the fMRI scans of typically developing children to those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger's, we can attempt to identify which underlying circuits are altered, and how these circuits may change with development and with intervention. Combining functional MRI results with behavioral responses during the scans, and to standard tests or language and cognitive function, we hope to identify the fundamental differences in brain function that give rise to autism and Asperger's. More information on our research program, including slides of some of our research results, can be found on Dr. Bookheimer's home page.

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