Objective Many past studies have suggested atypical functional and anatomical hemispheric asymmetries in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, almost all of these have examined only language-related asymmetries. Here, we conduct a comprehensive investigation of microstructural asymmetries across a large number of fiber tracts in ASD. Method We used diffusion tensor imaging for a comprehensive investigation of anatomical white matter asymmetries across the entire white matter skeleton, using tract-based spatial statistics in 41 children and adolescents with ASD and a matched group of 44 typically developing (TD) participants. Results We found significant asymmetries in the TD group, being rightward for fractional anisotropy and leftward for mean diffusivity (with concordant asymmetries for radial and axial diffusivity). These asymmetries were significantly reduced in the group with ASD: in whole brain analysis for fractional anisotropy (FA), and in a region where several major association and projection tracts travel in close proximity within occipital white matter for mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). No correlations between global white matter asymmetry and age or sociocommunicative abilities were detected. Conclusion Our findings in TD children and adolescents can be interpreted as reflecting different processing modes (more integrative in right, more specialized in left hemisphere). These asymmetries and the “division of labor” between hemispheres implied by them appear to be diminished in autism spectrum disorder.

Individuals with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) experience episodic memory deficits that may be progressive in nature. These memory decrements have been shown to increase with the extent of hippocampal damage, a hallmark feature of TLE. Pattern separation, a neural computational mechanism thought to play a role in episodic memory formation, has been shown to be negatively affected by aging and in individuals with known hippocampal dysfunction. Despite the link between poor pattern separation performance and episodic memory deficits, behavioral pattern separation has not been examined in patients with TLE. We examined pattern separation performance in a group of 22 patients with medically-refractory TLE and 20 healthy adults, using a task hypothesized to measure spatial pattern separation with graded levels of spatial interference. We found that individuals with TLE showed less efficient spatial pattern separation performance relative to healthy adults. Poorer spatial pattern separation performance in TLE was associated with poorer visuospatial memory, but only under high interference conditions. In addition, left hippocampal atrophy was associated with poor performance in the high interference condition in TLE. These data suggest that episodic memory impairments in patients with chronic, refractory TLE may be partially due to less efficient pattern separation, which likely reflects their underlying hippocampal dysfunction.

Spatial memory impairment is well documented in old age; however, less is known about spatial memory during middle age. We examined the performance of healthy young, middle-aged, and older adults on a spatial memory task with varying levels of spatial similarity (distance). On low similarity trials, young adults significantly outperformed middle-aged adults, who significantly outperformed older adults (Ps < 0.05). On high similarity trials, young adults significantly outperformed middle-aged and older adults (Ps < 0.05); however, middle-aged and older adults did not differ. Subtle age-related changes in spatial memory may emerge during middle age, particularly when spatial similarity is high.

We used signal detection theory to evaluate spatial recognition memory utilizing a behavioral test hypothesized to tax pattern separation. Correlations with standardized neuropsychological tests also were examined. Healthy young ( n = 40) and older ( n = 30) adults completed a spatial recognition memory test involving high- and low-similarity conditions. Using d’ as the dependent variable, we found that older adults were significantly impaired relative to young adults on the high- and low-similarity conditions ( ps < .05). Both groups performed significantly better in the low-similarity condition compared to the high-similarity condition ( p < .05), with young adults exhibiting greater improvement relative to older adults. We also found that young adults may rely on spatial attention abilities when performing our test, while older adults might rely on memory and executive function abilities. These findings indicate that young and older adults may utilize different cognitive abilities when performing certain spatial memory tests.

Romantic relationships are often fraught with challenges for individuals post-release. Yet, few relationships-focused services are offered during this important and complex transitional period. Using pre- and post-test survey data, this pilot study of 63 men living in a residential substance treatment facility post release evaluated the impact of a 20-h individual-oriented relationship education (RE) program (Within My Reach) on attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV), sexist beliefs, attitudes toward infidelity, relational efficacy, and relationship decision making. Results showed a significant decrease in support of IPV at pre- and post-test even after controlling for education, number of children, and relationship status.