Typical and atypical brain development: a review of neuroimaging studies.

[22q11.2 deletion syndrome]

In the course of development , the brain undergoes a remarkable process of restructuring as it adapts to the environment and becomes more efficient in processing information . A variety of brain imaging methods can be used to probe how anatomy , connectivity , and function change in the developing brain . Here we review recent discoveries regarding these brain changes in both typically developing individuals and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders . We begin with typical development , summarizing research on changes in regional brain volume and tissue density , cortical thickness , white matter integrity , and functional connectivity . Space limits preclude the coverage of all neurodevelopmental disorders ; instead , we cover a representative selection of studies examining neural correlates of autism , attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder , Fragile X , 22 q 11 .2 deletion syndrome , Williams syndrome , Down syndrome , and Turner syndrome . Where possible , we focus on studies that identify an age by diagnosis interaction , suggesting an altered developmental trajectory . The studies we review generally cover the developmental period from infancy to early adulthood . Great progress has been made over the last 20 years in mapping how the brain matures with MR technology . With ever-improving technology , we expect this progress to accelerate , offering a deeper understanding of brain development , and more effective interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders .

Diseases
Validation

Diseases presenting "cortical thickness" symptom

22q11.2 deletion syndrome

aromatase deficiency

cadasil

congenital adrenal hyperplasia

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