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Rightward hemispheric asymmetries in auditory language cortex in children with autistic disorder: an MRI investigation

Authors :
A. Lisette Isenberg
Nicole M. Gage
Pauline A. Filipek
Pamela Flodman
Jenifer Juranek
Kathryn Osann
M. Anne Spence
Source :
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Gage, Nicole M.; Juranek, Jenifer; Filipek, Pauline A.; Osann, Kathryn; Flodman, Pamela; Isenberg, A. Lisette; et al.(2009). Rightward hemispheric asymmetries in auditory language cortex in children with autistic disorder: an MRI investigation. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Advancing Interdisciplinary Research, 1(3), pp 205-214. doi: 10.1007/s11689-009-9010-2. Retrieved from: http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/08x4283x
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

Purpose: determine if language disorder in children with autistic disorder (AD) corresponds to abnormalities in hemispheric asymmetries in auditory language cortex. Methods: MRI morphometric study in children with AD (n = 50) to assess hemispheric asymmetries in auditory language cortex. A key region of interest was the planum temporale (PT), which is larger in the left hemisphere in most healthy individuals. Results: (i) Heschl’s gyrus and planum polare showed typical hemisphere asymmetry patterns; (ii) posterior Superior Temporal Gyrus (pSTG) showed significant rightward asymmetry; and (iii) PT showed a trend for rightward asymmetry that was significant when constrained to right-handed boys (n = 30). For right-handed boys, symmetry indices for pSTG were significantly positively correlated with those for PT. PT asymmetry was age dependent, with greater rightward asymmetry with age. Conclusions: results provide evidence for rightward asymmetry in auditory association areas (pSTG and PT) known to subserve language processing. Cumulatively, our data provide evidence for a differing maturational path for PT for lower functioning children with AD, with both pre- and post-natal experience likely playing a role in PT asymmetry. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11689-009-9010-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Details

ISSN :
18661955
Volume :
1
Issue :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....5c748d7b1b1b92354b5c27673b305092
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11689-009-9010-2.