This document discusses four questions related to identifying markers of brain maturity and neurodevelopment using brain volume measurements. Question 1 asks if whole-brain gray matter volume can identify markers of brain maturity in individuals. Question 2 examines volumetric relationships between subcortical structures like the amygdala, thalamus, caudate and hippocampus with age. Question 3 explores the trajectory and nature of abnormal neurodevelopment in autism spectrum disorder, and the most sensitive metrics for measuring it. Question 4 asks if group differences between younger and older cohorts would match differences between randomly selected age-matched cohorts when examining overall brain volume and subcortical structure volumes.

2. Question 1:
Can we identify an individual marker of brain maturity
using whole-brain gray matter volume?
Franke et al, 2012
R Toro
Spin into potential hemispheric specific maturation

3. Testing Feasibility

4. Question 2
What are the volumetric subcortical relationships with age
(amygdala, thalamus caudate, hyppocampus)
…..to be continued

5. Question 3a:
What is the trajectory and
nature of abnormal
neurodevelopment in
ASD?
Question 3b:
And what are the most
sensitive metrics for
measuring
neurodevelopment?

6. Question 4:
Will group differences between a young cohort A and
an older cohort B be “the same” as differences seen
between two other randomly selected, age-matched
cohorts C and D?
* Outcomes of interest: 1. overall brain volume
2. volume of subcortical structures