Brain scans reveal two distinct types of autism

Article excerpt

Researchers analyzing brain scans from nearly 1,000 autistic people, combined with data from 20 genetically engineered mouse models, have identified two biologically distinct autism subtypes. One subtype shows "hyperconnectivity," where brain regions communicate more intensively than typical. The other exhibits "hypoconnectivity," with reduced communication between regions. The finding suggests autism isn't a single condition but rather involves different patterns of neural wiring, potentially opening new avenues for understanding how the condition manifests differently across individuals.