Catherine Stoodley, DPhil, Associate Professor, Dept of Psychology

Differences in cerebellar structure and function are well-documented in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Through both meta-analytic and prospective studies, we have identified several areas of structural differences within the cerebellum in ASD, including a region in right lobule VII. Rodent models suggest that inhibition of right lobule VII is sufficient to produce ASD-like behaviors. Our recent work explores the functional significance of this region in ASD using neuromodulation and neuroimaging in both typically-developing adults and adults with ASD. These findings will be discussed within a developmental framework, with reference to potential mechanism(s) by which early cerebellar dysfunction might impact ASD-relevant behaviors.