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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
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Disentangling Neural Sources of the Motor Interference Effect in High Functioning Autism: An EEG-Study.

Eliane Deschrijver1, Jan R Wiersema2, Marcel Brass3

  • 1Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. eliane.deschrijver@ugent.be.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|January 14, 2017
PubMed
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Imitation difficulties in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may stem from motor preparation issues, not high-level self-other distinctions. This EEG study reveals altered readiness potential (RP) in ASD, suggesting motor control differences.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with imitation challenges.
  • Deficits in distinguishing self- and other-related motor actions are hypothesized to underlie these imitation difficulties.
  • Previous research indicates imitation control involves both high-level and low-level cognitive processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific neural mechanisms of imitation control deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • To examine congruency effects in high-level (P3) and low-level (N190, readiness potential - RP) cognitive processes during imitation tasks in individuals with ASD.
  • To determine if self-other distinction impairments in ASD are related to high-level or low-level motor control processes.

Main Methods:

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderImitationN190P3Readiness potentialSelf-other distinction

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  • Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record brain activity.
  • Congruency effects were analyzed within the P3, N190, and readiness potential (RP) components.
  • Participants with ASD and neurotypical controls performed an imitation task measuring self-other distinction.

Main Results:

  • The study found significant differences in the readiness potential (RP), a low-level cognitive process, in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group compared to controls.
  • No significant differences in congruency effects were observed in the P3 component, a high-level cognitive process, between the ASD and control groups.
  • These findings suggest that impairments in imitation control in ASD are associated with motor preparation rather than high-level self-other distinctions.

Conclusions:

  • High-level self-other distinction related to motor actions appears to be intact in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Deficits in imitation control in ASD are more closely linked to impairments in the low-level process of motor preparation, as indicated by differences in the readiness potential (RP).
  • These results refine our understanding of the neural underpinnings of imitation difficulties in ASD, highlighting the role of motor preparation.