Natalia Kleinhans, Ph.D.
Dr. Kleinhans studies functional and structural connectivity in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using methodologies including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which measures the integrity of the brain’s white matter. Previous research suggests that some of the social and emotional deficits present in individuals with ASD are caused by abnormalities in neural circuitry. Kleinhans is investigating this possible relationship by using fMRI and DTI to analyze neural function and white matter structure in persons with ASD.