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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Auditory processing in autism spectrum disorder: a review
1Department of Communication Disorders, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. gamokatio@yahoo.co.nz
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle with auditory processing. Research confirms significant behavioral and neural differences in how they perceive sound, especially complex speech information.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Audiology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication.
- Auditory processing challenges are frequently reported in individuals with ASD, impacting daily life.
- A comprehensive understanding of auditory processing in ASD is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing literature on auditory processing in ASD.
- To provide a detailed account of behavioral and neural findings.
- To guide future research directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from the past two decades.
- Inclusion of behavioral, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging studies.
- Analysis of findings related to low-level and complex auditory features.
Main Results:
- Substantial evidence of atypical auditory processing at both behavioral and neural levels in ASD.
- Diverse abnormalities observed, affecting perception of pitch, loudness, and prosody.
- Impairments are more pronounced in complex auditory processing, particularly for speech stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Auditory processing deficits are a significant feature of ASD.
- Complex auditory information, especially speech, presents greater challenges.
- Further research is needed to elucidate cognitive mechanisms and inform therapeutic strategies.
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