Resting-State functional connectivity changes between dentate nucleus and cortical social brain regions in autism spectrum disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are known to be characterized by restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests, and by impairments in social communication and interactions mainly including “Theory of Mind” (ToM) processes. The cerebellum has emerged as one of the brain regions affected by ASDs. As the cerebellum is known to influence cerebral cortex activity via cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuits, it has been proposed that cerebello-cortical 'disconnection' could in part underlie autistic symptoms.