The Developing Brain: Pathway Disruptions Contributing to Autism and Intellectual Disabilities

Neurodevelopment follows a complex sequence of cellular, molecular, and behavioral milestones that shape cognitive and social functioning. In autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), disruptions in these processes can lead to atypical brain connectivity, altered synaptic plasticity, and imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory signaling. Emerging research has highlighted the roles of genetic mutations, epigenetic regulation, and neuroimmune processes in influencing the developmental trajectories of ASD and ID.

At the cellular and molecular level, alterations in neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmitter system maturation contribute to the heterogeneity of these conditions. Dysregulation of pathways involving glutamatergic, GABAergic, and other neuromodulatory systems has been implicated in key features of ASD and ID, including differences in social interaction, communication, learning, and cognitive flexibility.

This Research Topic aims to bring together research and reviews exploring the neurodevelopmental, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and ID, with particular emphasis on early brain development, circuit formation, and the biological processes that shape cognitive and behavioral outcomes. We welcome studies that address themes such as:
o How do specific genetic mutations affect early brain development, neuronal maturation, and circuit formation in ASD and ID?
o What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction in ASD and ID?
o How does excitatory/inhibitory imbalance contribute to developmental and behavioral phenotypes in ASD and ID?
o What is the role of neurotransmitter systems—such as glutamate, GABA, dopamine, and serotonin—in the developmental pathophysiology of ASD and ID?
o How do epigenetic modifications influence brain development and phenotypic variability in individuals with ASD and ID?
o What are the contributions of neuroinflammation and immune system dysregulation to altered neurodevelopment in ASD and ID?
o Can early deviations in brain connectivity or circuit maturation serve as biomarkers for ASD and ID?
o What novel molecular or developmental targets are being explored for early intervention in ASD and ID?
o How can translational models help bridge preclinical findings and clinical applications in ASD and ID research?

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neurodevelopmental trajectories, Synaptic plasticity, Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, Genetic and epigenetic regulation, Neurotransmitter dysfunction, Glutamatergic signaling, GABAergic system

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.