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Elevated amygdala response to faces and gaze aversion in autism spectrum disorder
Nim Tottenham1, Margaret E Hertzig, Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
1UCLA Psychology-Developmental, 1285 Franz Hall, BOX 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA. nimtottenham@ucla.edu.
Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
|April 19, 2013
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show less eye contact and heightened amygdala responses to faces. Manipulating gaze to the eyes intensified these responses, particularly for neutral faces.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to difficulties in interpreting facial expressions.
- This is often associated with reduced eye contact and atypical amygdala reactivity to faces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how natural viewing and experimental eye-gaze manipulation affect amygdala responses to faces in individuals with ASD.
- To explore the relationship between gaze patterns, threat perception, and amygdala activation in ASD.
Main Methods:
- A within-subjects design was employed.
- Participants with ASD and a control group viewed faces, with and without experimental manipulation of eye-gaze direction.
- Amygdala responses and subjective threat ratings were measured.
Main Results:
- Individuals with ASD exhibited less gaze toward the eye region of faces compared to controls.
- Reduced natural eye gaze in ASD correlated with higher threat ratings for neutral faces.
- Amygdala activity was elevated in the ASD group and further potentiated by eye-gaze manipulation, especially in those with minimal natural eye gaze.
Conclusions:
- Gaze direction significantly modulates affective responses to faces in individuals with ASD.
- Findings highlight the role of eye-gaze in the pathophysiology of ASD and suggest caution in using neutral faces as controls.
- The study supports the link between visual attention patterns and emotional processing in autism.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
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01:24Facial Feedback Hypothesis
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01:16Role of Amygdala in Memory
The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure responsible for processing and storing memories, particularly those linked to emotions like fear and stress. It plays an essential role in the brain's response to emotionally significant events and often enhances memory formation by triggering stress hormone release. The amygdala is vital for encoding and retrieving memories associated with fear or stress, a process that is adaptive by helping organisms avoid dangerous situations.
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