Autism Isn't One Brain Type? New Subtypes, New Maps | NFB & Chill Livestream

New Research Reveals Autism Isn't One Brain Type: Mapping Different Neural Subtypes

In his return to the NFB & Chill livestream after finishing his book manuscript "Gifted and Tortured," Dr. Andrew Hill tackled a topic that's been nagging at neuroscientists for years: why autism research has been so inconsistent, and what new brain imaging reveals about different autism subtypes.

The core issue? For decades, researchers have been lumping dramatically different brain patterns under one "autism spectrum" label. It's like trying to understand "transportation problems" by averaging together broken bicycles, cars with flat tires, and boats without motors. You get weighted averages that don't represent any actual condition.

Different Brains, Different Wiring Patterns

New MRI and EEG research is flipping the script. Instead of asking "what does the autistic brain look like," teams are asking "if we cluster brain patterns within autism groups, do we see distinct subtypes?"

The answer is a resounding yes.

First breakthrough study used MRI to examine gray matter and resting state connectivity patterns. They found classic autism had a completely different brain signature than high-functioning variants—more subcortical connections and more default mode network disruptions. The old diagnostic categories weren't random, but they were crude and didn't fit the actual neural data.

Second major study used functional MRI to track blood flow activation patterns. They identified three distinct subtypes within autism:

1. Widespread hyperconnectivity: Excessive connectivity and activation down the brain's midline
2. Localized modular abnormalities: Specific spatial regions with atypical wiring
3. Near-typical brains with specific network deviations: Overall normal architecture with targeted network differences

Each subtype mapped onto completely different symptom profiles. This isn't a spectrum from "mild to severe"—these are different neural architectures that happen to get grouped under the same diagnostic umbrella.

The AUDHD Phenomenon

Hill addressed the growing recognition of AUDHD—the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD features. Rather than true comorbidity, this likely represents another distinct brain phenotype that shares features with both traditional categories.

The key insight: these aren't progressive stages of the same condition. They're different recurring brain architectures, each with their own patterns of cortical resources and regulatory features.

Q&A Highlights: Practical Applications

Question: Someone asked about chronic muscle tension and why CZ SMR training helps dramatically but causes exhaustion.

Hill's response: The SMR frequency is probably too slow for your brain. Try increasing by small increments—if you're training at 11.5 Hz, bump up to 11.75 Hz or 11.625 Hz. You can also try T3-T4 placement or start with faster beta at C3 before moving to CZ. The goal is maintaining the relaxation response while adding some beta tone to prevent the exhaustion.

This illustrates Hill's broader point about individual brain differences—even within successful protocols, fine-tuning based on response patterns is essential.

Clinical Implications: Beyond Diagnostic Labels

Hill emphasized that getting an autism diagnosis isn't always the most useful goal unless you need accommodations or have severe functional needs. Many of the underlying features—sensory processing, social regulation, executive function, anxiety management—are actually trainable brain resources.

He sees these patterns co-occurring across many diagnostic categories. The same cortical resources that get dysregulated in autism also appear in ADHD, anxiety disorders, and sensory processing challenges.

The Neurofeedback Connection

This research validates what Hill observed clinically for years at autism treatment centers—dramatic improvements in eye contact, sensory tolerance, obsessiveness, and other developmental features through neurofeedback training, even in older children and adolescents.

Understanding distinct neural subtypes explains why one-size-fits-all approaches often fail, and why personalized brain training based on individual patterns works better.

Key Takeaways

• Autism represents multiple distinct brain architectures, not a single spectrum
• Different subtypes require different intervention approaches
• Many "autistic features" involve trainable cortical resources
• Brain mapping can reveal which subtype and guide targeted training
• Co-occurring patterns (like AUDHD) may represent additional distinct phenotypes

The implications extend beyond autism. As Hill noted, this same logic applies across neurodevelopmental and psychiatric categories—understanding individual brain patterns matters more than diagnostic labels for guiding effective interventions.

Dr. Hill announced his upcoming book "Gifted and Tortured" will be available for pre-order next week, with the first 150 copies personally signed. The book covers brain patterns in ADHD, stress, anxiety, and sensory processing.