Connectivity Explorer
Click any brain network to see which connections are affected in autism and what it means. Based on 1,002 FDR-corrected findings from 1,545 brain scans.
The connection between internal thought and focused attention is weaker in autistic brains. This may explain difficulty switching from internal processing to external demands — like being deeply in thought and struggling to shift when called.
Internal connections within the Default Mode Network itself are altered. This affects self-referential thinking, theory of mind (understanding others' perspectives), and autobiographical memory.
Motor regions communicate differently within themselves. This relates to motor coordination, body awareness, and repetitive movements (stimming) commonly seen in autism.
The link between seeing and moving is altered. This affects visually-guided actions — reaching for objects, navigating spaces, and eye-hand coordination.
The bridge between internal thought and physical movement is different. May relate to the feeling of being 'in your head' and disconnected from your body.
The switch between executive control and default mode is altered. The NT brain smoothly toggles between 'doing' and 'resting' — this transition is less fluid in ASD.
The connection between attention and vision is different. Autistic individuals may attend to visual details differently — noticing things others miss, or finding it hard to filter visual clutter.
Two attention systems communicate differently. Top-down (what you choose to focus on) vs bottom-up (what grabs your attention) are less coordinated.
The salience network helps decide what's important. Altered connection to DMN means the brain may not prioritize social signals the way NT brains do.
Internal thought and visual processing are linked differently. May relate to vivid visual imagination or difficulty separating internal imagery from external perception.
Attention-to-movement connection is altered. Affects the ability to attend to physical tasks and coordinate intentional movement.
Visual salience filtering is different. The brain may not automatically de-prioritize visual noise, making busy environments feel overwhelming.
Emotion and self-reflection are connected differently. May contribute to experiencing emotions more intensely or having difficulty identifying one's own emotional state (alexithymia).
The body's alertness response to salient stimuli is altered. Relates to physical stress responses — tensing up, flinching, or needing to move in response to sensory input.
Executive control over emotions is wired differently. May relate to emotional regulation challenges — difficulty calming down after becoming upset.