Autism is a spectrum — no two autistic people are exactly alike. New research suggests there may be a biological reason behind that diversity: autism might not be a single condition, but include at least two distinct brain "subtypes".
The study
Published in Nature Neuroscience (2026) by researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (CNCS@UNITN) and the Child Mind Institute in New York, the study combined 20 different mouse models of autism with resting-state fMRI brain-imaging data from autistic and non-autistic children.
Two connectivity patterns
1. Hypoconnectivity — reduced communication between brain regions, linked to synaptic pathways (how neurons connect and signal).
2. Hyperconnectivity — increased communication between regions, associated with immune-related pathways and differences in gene regulation.
Why it matters
This helps explain why autistic experiences, strengths and needs vary so much from one person to another. It also points toward "precision psychiatry": one day, understanding someone's specific profile could guide more personalized support.
An important caveat
The researchers are clear: this is not a diagnostic tool. It is an early framework that still needs replication, and it does not change how autism is diagnosed today. But it is a meaningful step toward understanding the biology behind the spectrum.
Curious about autistic traits?
If this resonates with you, you can explore autistic traits with our free autism screening test (AQ-10), or the more detailed AQ-50. These are informational screenings, not a diagnosis, but they can be a helpful first step.
Reference: Gozzi A, Di Martino A, et al. (2026). Distinct connectivity subtypes in autism. Nature Neuroscience. Screening tools are informational only and do not constitute a diagnosis.