Modern neuroscience has revealed how asperger's syndrome affects the brain's structure, chemistry, and function — knowledge that's transforming treatment approaches.
The Brain Regions Involved in Asperger's Syndrome
Key brain areas implicated in asperger's syndrome include:
- Amygdala: The brain's threat-detection center becomes hyperactive in asperger's syndrome, triggering excessive fear and stress responses
- Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation — its function is often impaired by asperger's syndrome
- Hippocampus: Memory and context processing; chronic asperger's syndrome can affect its volume and function
- HPA Axis: The stress hormone system that, when dysregulated, drives many physical symptoms of asperger's syndrome
Neurochemistry of Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's Syndrome involves imbalances or dysregulation of key neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA — all targets of current treatments.
How Treatment Changes the Brain
Both therapy and medication produce measurable changes in brain function in asperger's syndrome. CBT, for example, has been shown to normalize amygdala reactivity.
Neuroplasticity and Asperger's Syndrome
The brain retains its ability to change throughout life. This neuroplasticity means that with appropriate treatment and practice, the neural patterns underlying asperger's syndrome can genuinely change.