What part of the brain does autism affect?

Answer 1

Well, the brain differences are actually what affects ADHD ;). The primary area affected in ADHD individuals (according to numerous recent brain imaging studies) is the prefrontal cortex. The volume (size) is smaller in ADHD children; this size can catch up (though slower) with peers and is a sign of disappearance of the disorder (meaning the brain developed fully and the adult with not have ADHD); if development doesn't catch up (the prefrontal cortex remains small) the adult will continue to exhibit ADHD.

Prefrontal cortex is the hub for deliberate thoughts and actions--it's where your motor cortex (your conscious control of muscles) is centered, along with functions such as attention, planning, working memory, set-shifting, etc.. Explains a lot of ADHD, huh?

Answer 2

ADHD doesn't do anything to the brain as it isn't a disease. It's a mental illness. The brains of people with ADHD/ADD have too many resting periods. The average person's ratio of resting periods to active periods is around 2. People with ratios of 2.7+, or much less commonly, significantly lower than 2, are considered to have ADD/ADHD.

Good points :). Also, ADHD brains have less gray matter, white matter, and impaired neurotransmitter transportation. ADHD is the result of these abnormalities, not the cause!

Answer 3

Both the Prefrontal Cortex and Amygdala are effected in a person with ADHD, primarily an imbalance of dopamine in these areas. A person with ADHD tends to have insufficient dopamine in their Prefrontal Cortex and an oversupply of dopamine in their Amygdala, although each case can vary.

Answer 4

It REALLY depends on which autistic disorder your thinking of, and then even those effect more than one area.

Answer 5

Chromosome 16 has been discussed as a possible indicator of ADHD. The scientific evidence is not conclusive on this.