A.A. Balandin1, L.J. Djafarova2, I.A. Balandina3, S.V. Ivanov4

1–4 E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University (Perm, Russia)

1 balandinnauka@mail.ru, 2 lala.djafarova2006@mail.ru, 3 balandina_ia@mail.ru, 4 Johnjonson484@gmail.com

Autism spectrum disorders are a heterogeneous group of developmental disorders, the key feature of which is a persistent deficit in the field of social communication and interaction. A clear understanding of the neurobiological foundations of autism allows us to understand the best treatment methods, so scientists are studying in detail the various brain structures of people suffering from this disorder. Research shows that the cerebellum is a kind of neurobiological subsystem inside the brain, which, when performing locomotor actions, ensures proper smoothness and clarity of movements, controls many muscles both when maintaining posture and during involuntary movements. In addition, the cerebellum is directly involved in the circadian cycle, cognitive functions, behavioral and emotional acts, speech activity, and even the formation of stable long-term memory. Systematization of the established and studied neurobiological changes in the structures of the cerebellum in autism is an important factor in understanding the pathophysiological foundations of this disease, which in the future will help to find the necessary "keys" to a better personalized approach to patients with this disorder, minimizing the difficulties in their daily lives.

The aim of the work is to summarize and structure the data of the scientific literature on the role of the cerebellum in the etiopathogenesis of autism.

The macro- and microanatomy of the cerebellum in autism is impaired, at least in some patients these changes are structural and pronounced. Pathology occurs in the early stages of ontogenesis and continues to develop throughout the patient's life, affecting many functions of the cerebellum. Specific systemic cerebellar disorders in autism appear in the clinic in the form of motor and cognitive deficits, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathology can occur in visually "healthy" neurons. The most pronounced lifetime changes were recorded in the VI–VII cerebellar lobules. Structuring and systematizing existing data will help to form a correct view of the complex problem of high-quality and rapid diagnosis of a disease such as autism in order to make a diagnosis in a doctor's clinical practice, and may also lead to the emergence of new ideas aimed at improving the quality of life of people with this disease.

Balandin A.A., Djafarova L.J., Balandina I.A., Ivanov S.V. Neurobiological changes in cerebellar structures in autism: the current state of the issue. Technologies of Living Systems. 2026. V. 23. № 2. Р. 55-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j20700997-202602-05 (In Russian).

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