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Published on: July 31, 2017
Early neurophysiological markers of aberrant auditory processing associated with increased risk of autism spectrum
Fee Benz1, Sean Hanna2, Nicholas C Harvey3,4
1Oxford Maternal and Perinatal Health Institute Green Templeton College University of Oxford Oxford UK.
Insights
Aberrant auditory processing (AAP) shows potential as an early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk marker in young children. Specific neurophysiological markers like auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency and social stimuli selectivity may aid early ASD risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Audiology
Background:
- Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for better outcomes, yet reliable early diagnostic criteria are lacking.
- Aberrant auditory processing (AAP) is being investigated as a potential early indicator of ASD risk in infants and toddlers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the association between aberrant auditory processing (AAP) and the risk of developing ASD in children under two years old.
- To identify potential early neurophysiological markers of ASD within auditory processing.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies published between 1985 and September 2024 was performed.
- Searches were conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases.
- The review included 18 studies with a total of 140,231 participants.
Main Results:
- A majority of studies (76%) indicated an association between early neurophysiological changes in auditory processing and later ASD risk.
- Prolonged auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency, reduced social stimuli selectivity, and poorer auditory brain connectivity were correlated with ASD status.
- Auditory habituation did not show significant differences in relation to ASD risk.
Conclusions:
- Three early neurophysiological AAP markers—ABR latency, social stimuli selectivity, and auditory brain coherence—are associated with ASD risk.
- These markers hold potential for earlier ASD risk assessment in young children, facilitating timely interventions.
- Further research with standardized protocols and prospective studies is needed to establish these AAP markers as reliable early screening tools for ASD.
Importance:
There is a lack of reliable early diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), despite earlier diagnosis leading to better outcomes.
Objective:
To evaluate the association of aberrant auditory processing (AAP) as a potential early marker of ASD risk in children under 2 years old.
Methods:
A systematic review of studies published between 1985 and September 2024 was conducted by searching PubMed and Web of Science.
Results:
The review encompassed 18 studies with 140 231 participants, and a majority (76%) of these studies found evidence that early neurophysiological changes in auditory processing are associated with later ASD risk. Specifically, prolonged auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency, reduced social stimuli selectivity, and poorer auditory brain connectivity were correlated with ASD status in later childhood. Notably, auditory habituation did not differ significantly with ASD risk. It's important to recognize that the evidence was somewhat limited by heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and inadequate reporting.
Interpretation:
This review identified three early neurophysiological AAP markers associated with ASD risk: ABR latency, social stimuli selectivity, and auditory brain coherence. These markers show potential for aiding in earlier ASD risk assessment in young children, potentially leading to earlier interventions. However, to fully establish the association of these AAP markers with ASD as a reliable screening tool during early childhood, future research should focus on standardized experimental protocols and adequately powered prospective cohort studies.
