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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
[Interest of electroencephalogram in autism]
Montserrat Palau-Baduell1, Antonio Valls-Santasusana, Berta Salvadó-Salvadó
1Centro de Orientacion y Asistencia al Desarrollo Infantil, Barcelona, Spain. mpalaubaduell@gmail.com
Revista De Neurologia
|March 1, 2013
Summary
Electroencephalography (EEG) studies reveal significant brain differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including altered brain activity, connectivity, and sleep patterns. These findings highlight EEG as a valuable tool for understanding ASD pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Context:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical cerebral organization and function.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) offers a noninvasive method to assess brain electrocortical activity.
Purpose:
- To review current research on EEG findings in individuals with ASD.
- To emphasize power EEG, coherence EEG, epileptiform abnormalities, and sleep disorders in ASD.
Summary:
- EEG power spectra studies show differences in frontal brain areas in ASD, linked to cognitive disruptions.
- EEG coherence studies indicate altered brain connectivity in ASD.
- High rates of interictal epileptiform EEG abnormalities and disrupted sleep architecture (e.g., reduced REM sleep, lower sleep efficiency) are frequently observed in children with ASD.
Impact:
- EEG findings provide insights into the neurophysiological underpinnings of ASD.
- This review consolidates critical EEG data, aiding in the understanding and potential diagnostic approaches for ASD.
- Identifying specific EEG biomarkers could lead to targeted interventions for ASD-related neurological and sleep disturbances.
