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Review
. 2025 May 30:16:1558081.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1558081. eCollection 2025.

Neurobiological basis of autism spectrum disorder: mini review

Maria Vanessa Freitas Holanda  1 , Eva da Silva Paiva  1 , Larissa Nayara de Souza  1 , Karina Maia Paiva  1 , Rodrigo Freire Oliveira  1 , Élyssa Adriolly Freitas Tavares  2 , Paulo Leonardo Araújo de Góis Morais  1 , Ariel Moraes de Andrade  1 , Maria Irany Knackfuss  1 , Ellany Gurgel Cosme do Nascimento  1 , José Rodolfo Lopes de Paiva Cavalcanti  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Neurobiological basis of autism spectrum disorder: mini review

Maria Vanessa Freitas Holanda et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, with significant symptom variability. This multifaceted profile reflects a complex genetic architecture as well as diversity in morphological characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the genetic and morphological aspects that may contribute to understanding autism. No temporal restrictions were applied for study inclusion, nor were there limitations regarding language. Scientific articles available in full text and directly related to the topic were included, while editorials, letters, conference abstracts, theses, dissertations, and books were excluded. The results of this review converge on two main aspects: (1) genetic and morphological findings are essential for a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder, providing an important basis for investigating its underlying mechanisms; and (2) despite their relevance, the results are still incipient and insufficient to explain the full clinical and behavioral heterogeneity associated with autism, highlighting the need for further studies.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; genetic aspects; morphological changes; neurobiological bases; neurodevelopmental disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Illustration showing the glia-to-neuron ratio (GNR) in the DL-PFC of children with ASD and the control group. Changes in the glia-to-neuron ratio (GNR) in the DL-PFC were analyzed in children with ASD and compared to neurotypical children. The analysis revealed that the GNR was, on average, 20% lower in the DL-PFC of children with ASD. This result indicates a relative reduction in the number of glial cells, a proportional increase in the number of neurons per unit area, or both.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Epigenetic factors during development can cause changes in gene expression in genes related to various cellular processes, such as the formation and maintenance of synapses. Structural brain alterations may also help explain the clinical heterogeneity observed in individuals with ASD.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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