Understanding Neurophysiological and Neurobiological Perspectives in Autism

When discussing autism, we often focus on behaviors—how someone communicates or interacts with others. However, to truly understand autism, it’s important to look deeper into the brain's functioning. Neurophysiological and neurobiological perspectives offer insights into the brain's activity and structure in autism.

Neurophysiology: The Brain in Action

Neurophysiology refers to the study of the brain's electrical and chemical processes. In simpler terms, it looks at how the brain functions in real time. For autistics, neurophysiology can explain why sensory experiences might feel more intense or overwhelming. Research using EEG has shown that autistic brains often respond differently to sensory stimuli, with variations in brain wave patterns that suggest heightened sensitivity or delayed processing . This difference in neural activity can contribute to sensory overload and the need for certain sensory accommodations.

Neurobiology: The Brain's Structure and Development

Neurobiology, on the other hand, examines the brain's physical structure, development, and genetics. It looks at the brain's "hardware"—its neurons, synapses, and the genes that influence its development. In autism, neurobiological studies have found variations in brain regions involved in social behavior and emotion processing, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex . These differences can affect how autistic individuals perceive and respond to social stimuli, contributing to the diverse range of social behaviors seen in autism.

Genetic research also plays a significant role in neurobiology. Many studies have identified genes associated with autism, highlighting the genetic underpinnings that contribute to brain development and function . These insights are crucial for understanding the diverse expressions of autism and for developing personalized approaches to support autistic individuals.

Bridging Neurophysiology and Neurobiology

Combining neurophysiological and neurobiological perspectives provides a more comprehensive understanding of autism. For example, if an autistic person has a neurobiological difference in the connectivity between brain regions involved in emotion processing, this might lead to a neurophysiological response that is heightened or atypical when encountering emotional or social cues.

References

1. Orekhova, E. V., Stroganova, T. A., Nyström, P., & Gillberg, C. (2006). Excess of high frequency electroencephalogram oscillations in boys with autism. Biological Psychiatry, 62(9), 1022-1029.
2. Schumann, C. M., & Amaral, D. G. (2006). Stereological analysis of amygdala neuron number in autism. Journal of Neuroscience, 26(29), 7674-7679.
3. Geschwind, D. H. (2011). Genetics of autism spectrum disorders. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(9), 409-416.