The cerebellum, sensitive periods, and autism. Author Samuel Wang, Alexander Kloth, Aleksandra Badura Publication Year 2014 Type Journal Article Abstract Cerebellar research has focused principally on adult motor function. However, the cerebellum also maintains abundant connections with nonmotor brain regions throughout postnatal life. Here we review evidence that the cerebellum may guide the maturation of remote nonmotor neural circuitry and influence cognitive development, with a focus on its relationship with autism. Specific cerebellar zones influence neocortical substrates for social interaction, and we propose that sensitive-period disruption of such internal brain communication can account for autism's key features. Keywords Autistic Disorder, Cerebellum, Humans, Gene Expression, Male, Brain Mapping, Learning, Cognition Journal Neuron Volume 83 Issue 3 Pages 518-32 Date Published 2014 Aug 06 ISSN Number 1097-4199 DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.07.016 Alternate Journal Neuron PMCID PMC4135479 PMID 25102558 PubMedPubMed CentralGoogle ScholarBibTeXEndNote X3 XML