Brain-behavior links in autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan

Since its conception, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been recognized as a behavioral condition underpinned by atypical neurodevelopmental processes. Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques have allowed for further investigations into the specific neural substrates that may be associated with the behavioral features of ASD. While there is general agreement that an atypical cortical growth trajectory in ASD impacts the organization and connectivity of neural pathways, the specific regions affected and the associations between brain abnormalities and behavioral symptoms remain largely unknown. We summarize the available evidence regarding the trajectory of neural growth in ASD. We then synthesize evidence regarding the associations between brain development and the behavioral phenotype of ASD. Overall, we provide a primer to ASD and brain development across the lifespan.