Cerebello-striatal connectivity and implicit learning in autism spectrum disorders

Previous studies have indicated that persons with autism spectrum disorder have distinct cerebella, striatum, and an impaired ability to anticipate implicit learning sequences; also, previous research indicates anatomic connections among these regions. Investigating distinctions in connectivity and impairments in the ability to anticipate implicit sequences linked to ASD would help clarify some of the core deficits associated with the disorder. This dissertation sought to explore differences in functional connectivity among the cerebellum, thalamus, and striatum. This dissertation also sought to determine if an impaired ability to anticipate implicit sequences is associated with ASD. Twelve ASD participants and 11 control participants were scanned using an MRI while engaged in a modified serial reaction task. The findings indicate that the cerebellum and the striatum are functionally connected and the thalamus mediates this connection. The results indicate that ASD participants have stronger connections than the control, and ASD participants demonstrated some impairments in learning. However, there was not enough evidence to link ASD to an impaired ability to anticipate implicit sequences. This dissertation recommends that future studies consider the roles that these distinct connections play in symptoms of ASD.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor

The University of Texas at Austin

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Morley, Richard Henry

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Allen, Greg, doctor of clinical psychology

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Schellart, Diane
• Robinson, Daniel
• Svinicki, Marillia
• Stafford, Mark

• Implicit learning
• Autism
• Functional Connectivity
• Cerebellum
• Basal ganglia

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/2152/19830

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repositories.lib.utexas.edu:2152/19830