Amygdala Volume and Nonverbal Social Impairment in Adolescent and Adult Males With Autism

Abstract

Autism forms the severe end of a spectrum of developmental disorders defined by impairment in 3 core domains: reciprocal social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restricted behaviors.^1,2 Although investigations into underlying brain anatomical features are inconsistent, autism spectrum disorders are believed to have a biological basis and are highly heritable³ and, therefore, offer a unique opportunity to discover the genetic and neural underpinnings of reciprocal social behaviors.