Resting-state alpha power is selectively associated with autistic traits reflecting behavioral rigidity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Autism Research

Background:

• Resting-state neural activity variations are linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) phenotypes.
• Few studies explore connections between brain activity patterns and autistic traits in typically developing individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and three domains of the broader autism phenotype (social interest, rigidity, pragmatic language).
• To examine these associations in typically developing adults.

Main Methods:

• Recorded high-density scalp EEG from 37 typically developing adults (18-52 years).
• Utilized the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAP-Q) to assess autistic trait expression.
• Extracted absolute alpha power (8-13 Hz) from eyes-closed EEG epochs using spectral decomposition.

Main Results:

• A positive association was found between BAP-Q Rigidity scores and alpha power in the parietal scalp region.
• No significant associations were observed between alpha power and BAP-Q Aloofness or Pragmatic Language subscales.
• The link between EEG power and behavioral rigidity was specific to the alpha frequency band.

Conclusions:

• Specific traits within the broader autism phenotype are associated with distinct patterns of at-rest neural activity.
• Parietal alpha power may serve as a neural correlate for behavioral rigidity in typically developing individuals.