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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Statistical Modelling of Cortical Connectivity Using Non-invasive Electroencephalograms
Published on: November 1, 2019
Resting state cortical connectivity reflected in EEG coherence in individuals with autism
Michael Murias1, Sara J Webb, Jessica Greenson
1University of Washington Autism Center, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. mmurias@u.washington.edu
Background:
Theoretical conceptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and experimental studies of cerebral blood flow suggest abnormalities in connections among distributed neural systems in ASD.
Methods:
Functional connectivity was assessed with electroencephalographic coherence between pairs of electrodes in a high-density electrode array in narrow frequency bands among 18 adults with ASD and 18 control adults in an eyes closed resting state.
Results:
In the theta (3-6 Hz) frequency range, locally elevated coherence was evident for the ASD group, especially within left hemisphere frontal and temporal regions. In the lower alpha range (8-10 Hz), globally reduced coherence was evident for the ASD group within frontal regions and between frontal and all other scalp regions. The ASD group exhibited significantly greater relative power between 3 and 6 Hz and 13-17 Hz and significantly less relative power between 9 and 10 Hz.
Conclusions:
Robust patterns of over- and under-connectivity are apparent at distinct spatial and temporal scales in ASD subjects in the eyes closed resting state.

