The pattern of coherence difference, as shown by the loading patterns depicted in Figure 2 (Factor 15), demonstrated that the ASP population showed even more reduction of left lateral anterior-posterior coherence than the ASD group. This was an unexpected finding as Factor 15 was postulated to be a language-related factor based upon its similarity to the spatial location of the Arcuate Fasciculus [36], and subjects with ASP typically have better language function than do those with ASD. The solution to this unanticipated finding became clearer through inspection of the Factor 3 coherence loadings, which showed that the ASP group demonstrated markedly increased left mid temporal to central parietal-occipital coherence. It is speculated that Factor 3’s broadly increased left temporal connectivity may partially compensate for the language deficiency suggested by Factor 15, potentially facilitating acquisition of language skill in ASP without significant developmental delay. It is also proposed that the postulated compensation may not completely facilitate all aspects of normal language development, and may result in the several, readily identifiable, higher level differences of language use observed in subjects with ASP.
