Insula-Retrosplenial Cortex Overconnectivity Increases Internalizing via Reduced Insight in Autism

Abstract

The present findings provide novel evidence for a specific link between SN-DMN overconnectivity and internalizing in ASD. Further, the mediation results suggest that intact anterior insula-retrosplenial connectivity may play a role in an individual's generating insight into his or her own psychopathology.

The Triple Network Model, Insight, and Large-Scale Brain Organization in Autism

“…The study by Hogeveen et al . (1) uses the triple network model of psychopathology (2) as a framework for characterizing sources of variability in internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with autism and for determining brain signatures that index lack of insight into their own psychopathology. The second study by Dickie et al .…”

“…Drawing on the triple network model, Hogeveen et al . (1) examine cross-network interactions between the SN, FPN, and DMN and their relation to internalizing symptoms in autism and, more importantly, to lack of accurate self-appraisal, which is operationalized as the difference between self- and parent-reported internalizing symptoms.…”

“…Hogeveen et al .’s approach (1) has a particular strength and a potential weakness. On one hand, the ratings are based on standardized checklists that are routinely used in developmental and clinical studies—this is a strength.…”

“…A surprising aspect of the Hogeveen et al . study (1) relates to the retrosplenial cortex as the locus of SN-DMN dysfunction rather than ventromedial prefrontal cortex regions implicated in anxiety and mood disorders. Further work is needed to disentangle social and nonsocial factors that contribute to internalizing symptoms, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and phobias, as they are thought to engage different brain systems.…”

Genes influenced by MEF2C contribute to neurodevelopmental disease via gene expression changes that affect multiple types of cortical excitatory neurons

“…Resting state connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex is altered in SZ patients, with connectivity differences observed to brain areas associated with language processing, suggesting a role for the retrosplenial cortex in the aetiology of hallucinations (36). In ASD, resting state overconnectivity between the anterior insula and the retrosplenial cortex is associated with internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression, social withdrawal) (37)).…”