Neuroplasticity of children in autism spectrum disorder

Front Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 25:15:1362288. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1362288. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a range of symptoms including difficulties in verbal communication, social interaction, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. Neuroplasticity refers to the structural and functional changes that occur in the nervous system to adapt and respond to changes in the external environment. In simpler terms, it is the brain's ability to learn and adapt to new environments. However, individuals with ASD exhibit abnormal neuroplasticity, which impacts information processing, sensory processing, and social cognition, leading to the manifestation of corresponding symptoms. This paper aims to review the current research progress on ASD neuroplasticity, focusing on genetics, environment, neural pathways, neuroinflammation, and immunity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation and insights for intervention and treatment in pediatric fields related to ASD.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; genetics; immunity; neural pathways; neuroinflammation; neuroplasticity.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People’s Republic of China (Grant no. 60102).