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Electrophysiological Evidence of Atypical Spatial Attention in Those with a High Level of Self-reported Autistic
Stephanie A Dunn1, Megan Freeth1, Elizabeth Milne2
1Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK.
Abstract:
Selective attention is atypical in individuals with autism spectrum conditions. Evidence suggests this is also the case for those with high levels of autistic traits. Here we investigated the neural basis of spatial attention in those with high and low levels of self-reported autistic traits via analysis of ERP deflections associated with covert attention, target selection and distractor suppression (the N2pc, NT and PD). Larger N2pc and smaller PD amplitude was observed in those with high levels of autistic traits. These data provide neural evidence for differences in spatial attention, specifically, reduced distractor suppression in those with high levels of autistic traits, and may provide insight into the experience of perceptual overload often reported by individuals on the autism spectrum.
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