Cerebellar Dysfunction, Cerebro-cerebellar Connectivity and Autism Spectrum Disorders

cerebellum has long been conceptualized to control motor learning and motor coordination. How -ever, increasing evidence suggests its roles in cognition and emotion behaviors. In particular, the cerebellum has been recognized as one of key brain regions affected in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To better understand the contribution of the cerebellum in ASD pathogenesis, we here discuss recent behavioral, genetic, and molecular studies from the human and mouse models. In addition, we raise several questions that need to be investigated in future studies from the point view of cerebellar dysfunction, cerebro-cerebellar connectivity and ASD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: In Memoriam: Masao Ito & mdash;A Visionary Neuroscientist with a Passion for the Cerebellum. (c) 2020 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The cerebellum is not only involved in motor learning and coordination, but also plays a role in cognition and emotion behaviors. It is recognized as a key brain region affected in autism spectrum disorder. Future studies need to investigate the role of cerebellar dysfunction, cerebro-cerebellar connectivity, and ASD.