High-resolution imaging of face-processing brain areas in autistic adults
Ultra-high resolution imaging of category-selective visual cortex in autism
This project uses ultra–high-resolution brain scans to look at how face-processing regions differ between autistic adults and non-autistic adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will take very detailed MRI images that focus on the fusiform face area (FFA), a part of the brain involved in recognizing faces. They will measure cortical thickness across different layers of that region and compare those measurements between autistic and non-autistic adults. The work emphasizes brain structure rather than task performance to avoid effects of attention or motivation. Scans and analyses are performed in each person's native brain space rather than averaged across groups to improve accuracy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Autistic adults (age 21 and older) who can safely undergo MRI scanning and tolerate time in the scanner are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with autism and people seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this imaging-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could improve understanding of the brain differences linked to face perception in autism and help guide future diagnostic tools or targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior MRI studies have linked FFA structure to face perception, but applying ultra–high-resolution, layer-specific imaging in autistic adults is relatively new and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Joshua R — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Smith, Joshua R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.