What Brains Scans Teach Us About Autism?

Whether it’s for yourself, your child, or someone you love, getting an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Your mind may be flooded with questions, uncertainty, or even grief. You may feel like the life you expected is gone as you wonder what this means for the future.

But this pivotal moment can also bring clarity and open the door to understanding who you are (or who your loved one is). It can help define the support needed mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Research estimates that one in 31 children and one in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism. Knowing this can help you feel less alone and learn where to find the right resources.

Thanks to breakthroughs in neuroscience and advanced brain imaging, understanding autism and the brain is now more accessible—and more actionable—than ever before.

Dr. Daniel Amen, a double board-certified psychiatrist and pioneer in brain SPECT imaging, teams up with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel, a pediatrician and father of a son with autism, to offer insights that go far beyond traditional diagnostic labels.

In our Autism: A New Way Forward course, we share practical tools and brain-based strategies to help individuals and families affected by autism gain greater clarity, hope, and direction—using the power of brain SPECT imaging.

How Autism Affects the Brain?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that influences how people communicate, interact socially, and engage with the world around them.

Understanding autism and the brain requires more than behavioral observation. Effective support demands a deeper look at the underlying brain function. This is where brain imaging and autism research intersect to offer valuable insights into the more common symptoms. For example:

• Communication challenges: These may include delayed speech development or a complete lack of spoken language. Adults may struggle to initiate or maintain conversations or use language in repetitive ways. Children may lack spontaneous, imaginative play.
• Impairments in social interactions: Many people with autism have difficulty interpreting eye contact, facial expressions, and body language—skills crucial for building relationships. Sensory sensitivities are also common and can affect daily life.
• Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests: These may include intense routines, repetitive movements (like hand-flapping or rocking), or a strong focus on specific objects or topics.

Brain scans show that these behaviors are not random but linked to measurable differences in brain function, helping us better support individuals with autism.

How Autism and Brain Development are Connected?

The concept of autism has evolved significantly since it was first identified in the mid-20th century. While early approaches focused on outward behavior, neuroscience has shifted focus toward brain function.

This brain-based view allows for more accurate and personalized interventions. A pivotal tool in this shift is SPECT imaging, used extensively at Amen Clinics.

SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) measures blood flow and activity in the brain, showing how autism affects brain function:

• Good activity: Indicates healthy brain function. People with autism may show strengths in detail orientation or visual thinking.
• Too little activity: Often in the prefrontal cortex, linked to inattention, poor impulse control, or emotional dysregulation.
• Too much activity: Seen in the anterior cingulate gyrus, may signal obsessive thoughts or rigid behaviors.

A 2021 study showed brain imaging could identify genetic markers of ASD with over 90% accuracy—further validating the importance of this approach.

How Autism Impacts Brain Health?

Autism often co-occurs with other conditions that impact brain health and quality of life. Common comorbidities include:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors. SPECT scans often show overactivity in the anterior cingulate gyrus and basal ganglia.
• Anxiety: Up to 40% of people with autism experience clinically significant anxiety. Increased activity in the amygdala and thalamus is common.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Present in 30–50% of individuals with ASD, often involving underactivity in the prefrontal cortex.
• Tourette Syndrome: Less common but linked to basal ganglia abnormalities in the brain.

Recognizing these patterns on brain scans supports more effective diagnosis and targeted care.

What are the Brain Differences in Autism?

Some individuals on the spectrum also exhibit traits of Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), which isn’t part of the DSM-5 but overlaps with ASD.

People with NVLD may have strong verbal skills but struggle with spatial reasoning, motor skills, and nonverbal cues—leading to frustration and academic challenges. Research links NVLD to underactivity in the right hemisphere, particularly the parietal and occipital lobes.

Brain Imaging and Autism Subtypes

After reviewing over 300,000 brain scans, Amen Clinics has found that most psychiatric conditions, including autism, present in multiple subtypes. Brain SPECT imaging helps identify these types, such as:

• Asperger’s Syndrome (now part of ASD)
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Classic Autistic Disorder

Some subtypes may show limbic hyperactivity (linked to trauma), temporal lobe abnormalities (memory, aggression), or global underactivity (cognitive impairment). These insights allow for more precise, customized care.

A Brain-Based Path to Thriving with Autism

Autism is a lifelong journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Shifting to a brain-based approach empowers families with clarity, direction, and hope.

Dr. Daniel Amen’s brain imaging expertise and Dr. Jerry Kartzinel’s pediatric perspective provide a practical roadmap. Our Autism course at Amen University—offers the tools and support needed to thrive with autism.