Final answer:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked with neurobiological differences such as potential lack of synaptic pruning and variations in gene expression, leading to 'incorrect' brain wiring and varied symptoms related to social interaction, communication, and behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurobiological Differences in Autism
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit neurobiological differences from individuals without the disorder. While the exact causes of ASD are not fully understood beyond clearly genetic forms like Fragile X and Rett's Syndrome, research indicates that ASD may involve variations in several genes and a potential lack of synaptic pruning that ordinarily occurs in non-affected individuals' brains. This can lead to an 'incorrect' wiring, which might manifest as challenges in social interaction, communication abilities, and certain behavioral patterns. For example, studies involving stem cells from fathers and their sons have shown accelerated neuron growth and an increase in synapses in the sons with ASD, suggesting that if such accelerated growth occurs in vivo, it may affect the integration of information in the brain.
ASD is characterized by impaired social skills, difficulties in making eye contact, reading social cues, strict adherence to routines, repetitive behaviors, and in some cases, language impairments or seizures. The disorder reflects a spectrum, with some individuals showing significant challenges while others are highly functional with unique information processing styles. Developmental disorders like ASD are complex and likely result from multiple genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the normal development of the central nervous system (CNS).
It is important to note that misguided beliefs from the 1990s linking autism to vaccines have been disproven and the research retracted due to falsified data. Understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD can help reduce misconceptions and mistreatments of individuals with the disorder.