Stewart H. Mostofsky

Papers

Total Citations

283

H-Index

About

Stewart H. Mostofsky is a leading figure in developmental cognitive neuroscience, whose research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His work centers on the neural and behavioral underpinnings of motor learning and executive function in children with autism, challenging traditional views that prioritize social deficits. Mostofsky’s seminal 2008 study (119 citations) demonstrated that children with autism struggle to acquire internal models of motor tasks—the predictive mechanisms essential for learning coordinated actions like riding a tricycle. Building on this, his 2015 paper (164 citations) revealed the anomalous neural basis of motor learning in ASD, linking repetitive behaviors to disrupted sensorimotor integration. These contributions have been pivotal in establishing motor impairments as a core feature of autism, not merely a secondary symptom. With over 10,000 total citations, Mostofsky’s work has profound implications for early diagnosis and targeted interventions. As a professor at Johns Hopkins and director of the Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, he continues to pioneer studies that bridge brain imaging and behavioral analysis, offering new pathways for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.