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From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with AutismAuthor: Ryan Sumner
I'm Ryan, and I have Autism. From the Spectrum is a podcast about Autism. I am on a mission to explain Autism. Autism emerges in human evolution as a biological adaptation, possibly through neuroplasticity, responding to environmental shifts that harness lights energy for life. Maybe, people fail to understand how living organisms use the energy from light to drive biochemistry and organize our biology. For each episode, we will discuss various aspects of Autism. At times, we can cover lots of what seems like complex biology and especially neuroscience, but I hope to convey an easy to understand delivery and use basic analogies to enhance the episodes. Lastly, thank you for listening to From the Spectrum podcast.X: https://twitter.com/rps47586YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuAemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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White Board Series (Audio Version): Basal Ganglia (Go/No-GO), Neural Correlates, & "Motivation"
Friday, 6 February, 2026
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTW8CSPVEGcIn this whiteboard episode, we revisit the basal ganglia's intricate circuitry, detailing its five subcortical nuclei—dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen inputs), globus pallidus externa/subthalamic relays, and globus pallidus interna/substantia nigra reticulata outputs—driving the classic direct (facilitatory "go") and indirect (suppressive "no-go") pathways for action selection and inhibition. Excitatory cortical inputs converge on medium spiny neurons, finely tuned by dopamine (D1 excitatory/D2 inhibitory via substantia nigra pars compacta), serotonin, and acetylcholine, to orchestrate habits, motivation, and movement suppression through thalamic modulation. In autism, morphological alterations in medium spiny neurons—enlarged dendritic spines and reduced synaptic flexibility—bias toward repetitive behaviors, ritualized patterns, and intensely fixated interests (DSM-5 B2/B3 criteria), underscoring the circuit's preference for sameness via strengthened plasticity and limited prefrontal override.Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismChroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autismFig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autismCognity AI for Autistic Social Skills, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://thecognity.com00:00 Basal Ganglia Intro Review prior episodes on basal ganglia (48-50 + 47); key for movements, habits, motivation, repetition in autism00:55 Five Subcortical Areas Dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen = inputs); relays (globus pallidus external, subthalamic nucleus); outputs (globus pallidus internal, substantia nigra reticulata)02:54 Direct Pathway (Go) Excitatory cortex → dorsal striatum → inhibits internal pallidus/reticulata → frees thalamus → activates movement06:34 Indirect Pathway (No-Go) Cortex → dorsal striatum → external pallidus → subthalamic → excites outputs → inhibits thalamus → suppresses movement11:25 Major Inputs Cortex (esp. sensory-motor/prefrontal); thalamus (alerts); substantia nigra compacta (dopamine D1/D2 modulation)13:32 Modulators & Cortex Regions Serotonin (patience); acetylcholine (focus shift); inputs from sensory-motor (habits), prefrontal (planning), parietal (context)18:42 Medium Spiny Neurons Dorsal striatum cells with larger spines; repetitive firing strengthens synapses (morphology/plasticity)23:20 Autistic Differences Larger dendrites/spines → limited flexibility; favors sameness/habits; reduced prefrontal influence28:42 DSM Criteria B2/B3 Link B2: repetitive behaviors/rituals; B3: restricted/fixated interests—core autistic traits tied to basal ganglia habits/intensity32:24 Motivation & Change Basal ganglia (not individual) defines motivation via strengthened connections; explains difficulty with change, splinter skillsX: https://x.com/rps47586YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuAemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com
