Overview

• University of Geneva scientists discovered a faulty communication pathway between the superior colliculus and ventral tegmental area, impairing rapid attention shifts critical for social interaction in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Animal studies using Shank3 knockout mice revealed social orientation deficits that mirror those observed in children with ASD, highlighting the genetic and biological underpinnings of the condition.
• A novel MRI imaging protocol developed for children aged 2 to 5 achieved over 90% high-quality brain scans without sedation, confirming similar circuit disruptions in young children with ASD.
• Connectivity in the identified brain circuit has been linked to predicting cognitive development outcomes, offering a potential roadmap for targeted early behavioral interventions.
• Intensive early intervention programs informed by these findings have led to significant developmental gains, including an average 20-point IQ increase and mainstream school attendance for 75% of participants.