The neurophysical chemistry of autism: Postulates from intelligence modeling

Abstract

This chapter uses a unifying neuroscience theoretical paradigm called intelligence modeling (IM) and cognitive dynamics to connect the observable behaviors that both characterize and define the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to the underlying anatomical and biochemical mechanisms from which those behaviors emerge. The underlying principles of intelligence modeling that are derived from systems, information and cybernetic theories are described. This analysis is applied to the normal flow of information whose failure is hypothesized to give rise to the defining behaviors of autistic spectrum disorders. From the IM analysis the correlation between the energy needs required for computational solutions in the brain and the resulting behaviors when the energy needs cannot be met is examined. The chapter concludes with a novel model of the underlying neural substrate for ASD and suggests neuroanatomical and physiochemical mechanisms that might be investigated to test this model.