A new study suggests that extreme brain synchrony—either too high or too low—may define distinct autism subtypes. The finding offers fresh hope for Thai families, educators, and clinicians seeking more personalized approaches to diagnosis and intervention. The research, published on 17 April 2025 in The Transmitter, used advanced brain imaging across twenty mouse models designed to mimic autism and explored how brain regions coordinate activity. The study’s implications extend to understanding the heterogeneity of autism in humans.
Autism spectrum disorder, locally known as โรคออทิสติก, affects tens of thousands of people in Thailand. The Ministry of Public Health has noted a rising prevalence, driven by greater awareness and ongoing research challenges in capturing the condition’s complexity. Parents and teachers often wonder why some interventions work for certain children and not others. The latest findings reinforce the idea that autism is a spectrum with multiple biological subtypes, each with its own brain dynamics.
Led by Alessandro Gozzi and colleagues at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, the study aimed to identify meaningful autism subtypes by examining how well different brain regions synchronize, a measure scientists call global functional connectivity. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)—a technology increasingly used in major Thai hospitals and universities—the team mapped brain activity across seventeen genetic mouse models and additional models based on maternal immune activation and altered microglial genes linked to autism.
They identified two distinct patterns. In the hyperconnectivity subtype, brain regions remained overly synchronized, constantly “talking” in unison. In contrast, the hypoconnectivity subtype showed poor coordination among regions. Key areas such as the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, and basal forebrain were affected in opposite ways between subtypes, suggesting different underlying wiring and daily cognitive and behavioral implications.
A striking part of the research was its translation to human data. When comparing animal findings with brain scans from 940 people with idiopathic autism, researchers found about 24 percent could be reliably grouped into hyper- or hypoconnectivity subtypes—greater than chance. Clinically, those with hyperconnectivity tended to exhibit more severe autism traits on standard assessments, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).
Independent experts described the work as a meaningful step toward understanding autism’s biological variability. While acknowledging the study’s value, they cautioned that connectivity patterns can shift as children develop, underscoring the need for ongoing, age-appropriate assessment and interventions.
On the molecular level, the two subtypes map onto different biological pathways. The hyperconnectivity group showed immune and gene transcription pathway dysfunction, while hypoconnectivity related to impairments in synaptic function—the tiny connections that enable brain cells to communicate. This distinction hints at future personalized therapies, a particularly relevant prospect for Thailand where access to bespoke medical care can be uneven.
The research also carries implications for education. Identifying a student’s brain-based subtype could lead to targeted teaching approaches. For example, hyperconnected students may benefit from sensory-friendly environments and structured routines to reduce overload and impulsivity, while hypoconnected students might need strategies that support information processing and flexible attention. Thai studies in inclusive education align with this perspective, emphasizing adaptable classroom practices and accommodations.
Despite its promise, the study faced limitations. Translating mouse findings to humans remains imperfect due to dataset variability, such as inconsistent data collection in large repositories. Thai institutions could help overcome this gap by developing harmonized, locally representative neurodevelopmental databases and long-term tracking of children in Thai settings.
Experts also call for further validation. Different clustering methods may reveal additional subtypes, and longitudinal research is needed to observe how connectivity patterns evolve with age. The team plans to expand their work with more mouse models to explore potential sub-branches within the hyper- and hypoconnectivity groups.
For Thailand, these findings open doors to earlier and more precise diagnoses as functional brain imaging becomes more accessible. Psychologists, neurologists, and special education teachers can use this research to tailor supports based not only on behavior but on underlying brain connectivity. This marks a shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward a more personalized framework for autism care.
Globally, the trend toward precision medicine mirrors broader shifts in education and healthcare. Countries in Asia, including Japan and Singapore, are adjusting teacher training and outreach to embrace neurodiversity, offering models that Thailand can adapt as inclusion policies expand. For Thai families, the key takeaway is the importance of ongoing assessment, collaboration among schools and clinicians, and flexible learning plans that evolve with a child’s development.
Looking ahead, the study hints at therapies targeting specific pathways—immune modulation for hyperconnectivity or synaptic support for hypoconnectivity. In the meantime, practical steps for Thailand include pursuing comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments for children showing signs of ASD, encouraging schools to adopt a broad range of instructional strategies, and supporting locally relevant research that advances brain-based understanding of autism.
In summary, as Thai society embraces diversity and precision medicine, this research underlines a hopeful future in which individuals with autism receive the right supports aligned to their brain connectivity. The progress invites continued dialogue among families, clinicians, educators, and policymakers to ensure inclusive, effective care for all.