We explored neuronal mechanisms involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the prevalence of which has sharply increased over the past 30 years, with a current occurrence of about 1% of the population. We collaborate with Dr. Joseph Buxbaum of Mount Sinai Medical School in New York in the analysis of a new animal model of ASD developed by him, the Shank3-defficient rats. The Shank3 deficiency is one of the most established models of syndromic ASD hence we find great interest in exploring the neuronal mechanisms underlying its symptoms. We also explore several other rat and mice models of autism, hoping to reveal the modified brain activity, which is associated with the deficits in social behavior displayed by these animals.