Atypical brain network topology of the triple network and cortico-subcortical network in autism spectrum disorder

The default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and central executive control network (CEN) form the well-known triple network, providing a framework for understanding various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. However, the topology of this network remains unclear in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To gain a more profound understanding of ASD, we explored the topology of the triple network in ASD. Additionally, the striatum and thalamus are pivotal centres of information transmission within the brain, and the realization of various brain functions requires the coordination of cortical and subcortical structures. Therefore, we also investigated the topology of the cortico-subcortical network in ASD, which consists of the DMN, SN, CEN, striatum, and thalamus. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data on 208 ASD patients and 278 typically developing (TD) controls (8–18 years old) were obtained from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database. We performed graph theory analysis on the triple network and the cortico-subcortical network. The results showed that the triple network’s clustering coefficient, lambda, and network local efficiency values were significantly lower in ASD, and the nodal degree and efficiency of the medial prefrontal cortex also decreased. For the cortico-subcortical network, the sigma, clustering coefficient, gamma, and network local efficiency showed the same reduction, and the altered clustering coefficient negatively correlated with ASD manifestations. In addition, the interaction between the DMN and CEN was more robust in ASD patients. These findings enhance our understanding of ASD and suggest that subcortical structures should be more considered in future ASD related studies.