Exploring Neuroimaging Gaps in Developmental Disabilities: A Comparative Perspective
Tiffany Harmanian1, Alyssa Kim1, Emily Koenig1, Rexhina Ago1, Matthew Dinh1
1ATSU SOMA
Objective:
Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in understanding cognitive and developmental disabilities, offering insights into disease and its progression. Despite its significance, there is a need to assess advancements in neuroimaging modalities and their impact on treatment approach. This review aims to evaluate approaches to neuroimaging for autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and Down syndrome and gaps that may need to be addressed in the accepted approach.
Background:
Developmental disabilities such as autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and Down syndrome are common, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Currently, structural MRI, functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging are a couple of many modalities used to visualize brain development and structure. Critical to understanding the neurodevelopmental differences associated with these conditions, imaging helps aid physicians in risk assessment and treatment approach.
Design/Methods:
A review compared accepted neuroimaging modalities for autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and Down syndrome. Common techniques such as structural MRI, functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging were identified. Analysis explored the rationale behind their use and gaps. Early diagnosis, risk assessment, and neurodegeneration monitoring were analyzed for each modality. Disclosure: Components of this abstract utilized AI solely for spelling and grammatical corrections. No AI was used in the conceptualization, research, or analysis presented.
Results:
Results showed that neuroimaging for autism and Down syndrome is well-developed with specific approaches. Early risk assessment is key in autism, while Down syndrome focuses on neurodegeneration. In contrast, ADHD and intellectual disability lack standardized protocols. Functional and structural MRI are common, but no "gold standard" exists, requiring further refinement.
Conclusions:
While neuroimaging has advanced for autism and Down syndrome, ADHD and intellectual disability still require standardized imaging protocols. Further research is necessary to develop consistent imaging and treatment frameworks, which could improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes for these conditions.
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.