Scientists Discover Two Autism Subtypes in Brain Study

Autism is a condition that affects people in different ways. Understanding it fully has been difficult. However, a new study by international researchers has identified two types of autism by examining brain patterns in both humans and mice.

These findings could lead to better therapies for autism, moving away from treating everyone in the same way. For years, scientists have seen that autism can appear differently in people, but it was hard to show the biological differences. Researcher Alessandro Gozzi explained that they discovered specific genetic and immune factors linked to autism by using brain scans.

The team studied brain scans from mice with autism-like traits, and also from children and young adults with autism, and those without it. They found two groups of brain patterns. One group, called hypoconnectivity, showed reduced brain connections. The other, called hyperconnectivity, had increased connections and was connected to immune system genes.

The results, observable in both humans and mice, suggest these are real subtypes of autism. However, only about one in four human brains studied fit these groups. More types might exist.

This study is important for developing therapies targeted to these specific autism types. Previous research also looked for autism types using different methods. As research continues, larger datasets and better techniques should help identify more subtypes in the future. The researchers have shared their findings to help other scientists build on this work.

How much do you know?

What has a new study by international researchers identified about autism?

One type of autism

Three types of autism

Two types of autism

No types of autism

What are the two groups of brain patterns identified in the study?

Alpha and Beta

Hypoconnectivity and Hyperconnectivity

Neurotypical and Autistic

Left and Right

What does hypoconnectivity indicate?

Increased brain connections

Reduced brain connections

Normal brain connections

Inconsistent brain connections

Which type of brain pattern is linked to immune system genes?

Hypoconnectivity

Hyperconnectivity

Neuroplasticity

Cognitive flexibility

What percentage of human brains studied fit into the identified autism groups?

One in two

One in three

One in four

One in five

What do the researchers hope to achieve through their findings?

Develop better therapies targeted to specific autism types

Eliminate autism entirely

Prove autism has no biological differences

Focus solely on animal studies

Understanding autism has been easy and straightforward.

True False

The study found that there are two distinct types of brain patterns related to autism.

True False

Hypoconnectivity is related to increased brain connections.

True False

Researcher Alessandro Gozzi conducted the study using both human and mouse brain scans.

True False

Only one type of autism may exist, according to the researchers.

True False

The researchers shared their findings to assist other scientists in their research.

True False

The study identified two types of autism by examining brain patterns in both humans and .

One group of brain patterns is called hypoconnectivity, which shows brain connections.

The other group is called hyperconnectivity and has connections.

About one in human brains studied fit the identified groups.

The study aims to lead to better targeted to specific autism types.

Previous research looked for autism types using methods.

This question is required