Amygdala, autism, and infants

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Infants at high likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are subsequently diagnosed with ASD have significantly faster amygdala growth between 6 and 24 months of age, according to a study published online March 25 in The American Journal of Psychiatry.

The researchers found that at 6 months, infants who developed ASD had typically sized amygdala volumes, but amygdala growth was significantly faster between 6 and 24 months, such that amygdala volume was significantly larger than that of all other groups by 12 months. There was a significant association for amygdala growth rate between 6 and 12 months with greater social deficits at 24 months when the infants were diagnosed with ASD. Compared with other groups, infants with fragile X syndrome had a persistent and significantly enlarged caudate volume at all ages between 6 and 24 months, which was associated significantly with greater repetitive behaviors.

One author disclosed financial ties to the medical device industry.

The amygdala (/əˈmɪɡdələ/; plural: amygdalae /əˈmɪɡdəli, -laɪ/ or amygdalas; also corpus amygdaloideum; Latin from Greek, ἀμυγδαλή, amygdalē, 'almond', 'tonsil') is one of two almond-shaped clusters of nuclei located deep and medially within the temporal lobes of the brain's cerebrum in complex vertebrates, including humans. Shown to perform a primary role in the processing of memory, decision making, and emotional responses (including fear, anxiety, and aggression), the amygdalae are considered part of the limbic system