Researchers Identify 2 Autism Subtypes in 940 Scans, Linking Them to Synaptic and Immune Pathways
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 10
Researchers Identify 2 Autism Subtypes in 940 Scans, Linking Them to Synaptic and Immune Pathways
3 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 10
Summary
Brain scans from 940 children and young adults with autism revealed two reproducible connectivity subtypes—one with stronger-than-normal signaling and one with reduced signaling—across independent datasets.
Twenty mouse models helped map those patterns to biology: hypoconnectivity tracked synaptic pathways, while hyperconnectivity aligned with immune-related systems, giving the team a cross-species framework for interpreting fMRI data.
About 25% of autistic participants fit the two dominant subtypes, and the hyperconnectivity group showed somewhat higher autism-severity scores on standardized assessments.
Nature Neuroscience published the study, led by Italy's IIT and New York's Child Mind Institute, as researchers said larger datasets may uncover additional biologically distinct autism forms and support more personalized care.
Will new autism treatments target brain wiring or the immune system?
What biological secrets do the other 75% of the autism spectrum hold?
Could a simple blood test soon replace brain scans for diagnosing autism subtypes?
2026 Landmark Study Identifies Hyperconnectivity and Hypoconnectivity as Distinct Biological Subtypes of Autism
Overview
A major international study published in May 2026 marked a turning point in autism research by empirically identifying two distinct biological subtypes: hyperconnectivity and hypoconnectivity. Using a sophisticated cross-species approach, the research team, including Adriana Di Martino and Alessandro Gozzi, moved beyond viewing autism as a single disorder. Their findings revealed that individuals with the same autism diagnosis can have very different underlying brain and molecular mechanisms. This breakthrough paves the way for more precise and personalized interventions, offering hope for tailored support based on each person’s unique biological profile.