The aberrant language network dynamics in autism ages 5–60 years

Language impairments across both structural components and pragmatic use are frequently observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These difficulties are thought to stem from atypical brain development and abnormal network interactions, yet an integrative network-level model accounting for such impairments remains lacking. To bridge this gap, we applied the dynamic meta-networking framework of language, a theoretical model capturing domain-segregation dynamics during rest, to examine age-related changes (5-60 years) in cortical language networks in individuals with ASD. To further probe the biological underpinnings of these dynamics, we quantified spatial correspondences between network state hubs and gene co-expression modules as well as neurotransmitter receptor distributions. We identified distinct language meta-states characterized by domain-segregation connectivity patterns, which exhibited spatial alignment with gene co-expression modules and neurotransmitter systems. Individuals with ASD showed state-dependent developmental trajectories marked by age-related hypo- and hyper-connectivity. Critically, these network alterations strongly predicted verbal IQ and communicative difficulties, but were unrelated to social functioning or stereotyped behaviors. Our findings provide novel evidence that language-related network dynamics in ASD are developmentally altered, biologically grounded, and selectively linked to verbal and communicative impairments. These results advance a network-level model of language dysfunction in ASD and highlight potential mechanistic pathways for targeted interventions. Lay Summary Language challenges are common in autism and can affect both learning language and using it in everyday conversations. In people aged 5-60, we found distinct, age-changing patterns in how the brain’s language areas connect at rest; these patterns align with basic biology (genes and brain chemicals) and strongly relate to verbal ability and daily communication, but not to social difficulties or repetitive behaviors. These results suggest clear, brain-based targets for earlier and more tailored support for language problems in autism.