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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
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Auditory Global-Local Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Min Zhu1, Fei Chen2, Yu Zhang1
1School of Foreign Languages, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|June 24, 2025
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a preference for local pitch processing over global pitch processing. This meta-analysis clarifies auditory processing differences in ASD, supporting the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Auditory Perception
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical sensory processing.
- Visual processing in ASD is well-researched, but auditory global-local processing remains less understood.
- Previous studies on auditory processing in ASD have yielded mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on auditory global-local pitch processing in ASD.
- To identify factors contributing to heterogeneity in previous findings.
- To clarify the nature of auditory processing differences in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 eligible studies.
- Comparison of auditory global-local pitch processing between individuals with ASD and typically developing peers.
- Analysis of potential moderators influencing processing outcomes.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in global pitch processing between groups (Hedges' g = -0.05).
- A significant, modest advantage for local pitch processing in ASD (Hedges' g = 0.29).
- Moderators like vocabulary size and task design influenced findings.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with ASD tend to favor local over global pitch processing.
- Global pitch processing abilities appear intact in ASD.
- Findings align with the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning model and suggest targeted intervention strategies.
