A Review of the Neurobiological Basis of Autism

Abstract

This manuscript  reviews ongoing developments in autism research that defines it as a behavioral phenotype with many known neurobiological and molecular causes.  Strides in neuroimaging, histopathology, neurophysiology, genetics and metabolic disorders are discussed that support the understanding of autism as a pervasive abnormality of neural systems with particular dysfunction of neuronal connections that impacts the development of socialization, communication and behavior.  The aim of this review is to provide insight into the current knowledge of  the complex pathophysiology of autism.