  Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental condition
characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction and
restricted or repetitive behaviors. Extensive research has been conducted to
identify distinctions between individuals with ASC and neurotypical
individuals. However, limited attention has been given to comprehensively
evaluating how variations in image acquisition protocols across different
centers influence these observed differences. This analysis focuses on
structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data from the Autism Brain Imaging
Data Exchange I (ABIDE I) database, evaluating subjects' condition and
individual centers to identify disparities between ASC and control groups.
Statistical analysis, employing permutation tests, utilizes two distinct
statistical mapping methods: Statistical Agnostic Mapping (SAM) and Statistical
Parametric Mapping (SPM). Results reveal the absence of statistically
significant differences in any brain region, attributed to factors such as
limited sample sizes within certain centers, noise effects and the problem of
multicentrism in a heterogeneous condition such as autism. This study indicates
limitations in using the ABIDE I database to detect structural differences in
the brain between neurotypical individuals and those diagnosed with ASC.
Furthermore, results from the SAM mapping method show greater consistency with
existing literature.
