Human connection is the foundation of survival and development. Yet, for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this ability is often compromised from an early age, as they show limited interest in social stimuli within their first year of life.
Delayed cognitive development in ASD often stems from a lack of understanding of social interactions. Children with ASD have less interest in social cues early on, which hinders their ability to acquire tools for navigating the social world.
Seeking to understand the neurobiological roots of this phenomenon, researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have made a groundbreaking discovery.
By integrating clinical data with animal research, they identified a faulty communication pathway between two brain structures that disrupt rapid attention shifts—a vital mechanism for decoding social interactions. Their findings offer new hope for early prediction and tailored interventions.
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The study revealed that sustaining social interaction hinges on how quickly attention can shift between stimuli. In studies involving mice lacking the Shank3 gene—the most common genetic contributor to ASD—the team observed deficits in social orientation similar to those seen in children with ASD.
Camilla Bellone’s previous research highlighted a communication pathway connecting the superior colliculus, which is tied to social orientation, and the ventral tegmental area, which is linked to reward processing. Recent experiments showed that disrupted synchronization in the superior colliculus impeded communication between these regions, leading to impaired social behavior.
To extend these findings to humans, researcher Nada Kojovic developed an innovative protocol for brain MRI imaging in young children aged 2 to 5. The team achieved high-quality images for over 90% of participants without sedation through meticulous preparation, including habituation and collaboration with families. Remarkably, the MRI results mirrored the circuit changes observed in mice and could predict cognitive development outcomes a year later.
While direct intervention on this brain network remains out of reach, this discovery offers a roadmap for behavioral therapies. Early and intensive intervention programs—requiring 20 hours per week over two years—have boosted IQ scores by an average of 20 points and enabled 75% of participants to attend mainstream schools.
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Professor Bellone and her team hope these insights will inspire further research and refine strategies to foster rapid attention shifts in children with ASD, paving the way for improved developmental outcomes and enhanced social engagement. With their groundbreaking work, UNIGE scientists are providing hope and tangible solutions for families navigating the challenges of autism.
Journal Reference:
- Contestabile, A., Kojovic, N., Casarotto, G., et al. A translational research approach to social orienting deficits in autism: the role of the superior colliculus-ventral tegmental pathway. Mol Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-02962-
Source: Tech Explorist
