Auditory Processing Differences Correlate With Autistic Traits in Males.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Human Biology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more prevalent in males, yet sex-based differences in underlying mechanisms are understudied.
• Autistic traits exist on a continuum in the general population, impacting sensory processing.
• Sensory processing differences, in both sensitivity and perception, are characteristic of ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in sensory processing related to autistic traits in a healthy population.
• To examine auditory and visual sensory processing using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To correlate autistic traits with sensory sensitivity and electrophysiological responses.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 75 healthy individuals (39 females, 36 males).
• Assessed autistic traits using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ).
• Measured sensory sensitivity using the Sensory Sensitivity Scales.
• Examined auditory and visual processing using EEG-evoked potentials with specific stimuli (1,000 Hz pure tone for auditory, radial motion for visual).

Main Results:

• Auditory sensitivity correlated with autistic traits in males (r=0.396, p=0.017).
• Visual sensitivity correlated with autistic traits in females (r=0.420, p=0.008).
• Prolonged P2 latency in auditory processing was linked to higher autistic traits (r=0.411, p=0.008), particularly in males (r=0.542, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Auditory processing differences are associated with autistic traits in neurotypical individuals, especially males.
• Visual processing differences are linked to autistic traits in neurotypical females.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering sex differences in the study of autistic traits and ASD.