Canadian scientists create a more accurate picture of autistic brain's neuroanatomy

From UPI:

MONTREAL -- Canadian scientists say they've combined two analytical brain imaging techniques to obtain a more accurate picture of the autistic brain's neuroanatomy.

The study, called the first of its kind, was conducted by researchers at The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University and the University of Montreal. Researchers said their findings provide critical insight into autism and identify possible markers for the disease for use in early therapy and therapeutic strategies.

"The findings are significant from a functional perspective because the anatomical differences are found in brain regions known to play a functional role in the core features of autism such as social communication and repetitive behaviors," said Dr. Krista Hyde, research fellow with Dr. Alan Evans at institute, and lead investigator in the study. "This is the first step to looking for clues or markers that would help us correlate structural differences with functional and behavioral characteristics."

The study appears in the journal Human Brain Mapping.