Correlation of auditory network hyperconnectivity with P3a amplitude and set-shifting in individuals with autism...

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit aberrant intrinsic connectivity and altered mismatch negativity responses. Both mismatch negativity and intrinsic connectivity are associated with pre-attentive mechanisms. However, the potential link between mismatch negativity and alterations in intrinsic connectivity in ASD has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to investigate the resting-state functional connectivity of the auditory network in ASD and examine its association with mismatch negativity and set-shifting performance.

This study recruited 75 ASD participants and 50 neurotypical controls (NAC). All participants underwent clinical assessments, mismatch negativity on the oddball paradigm, and resting-state functional MRI. We compared the resting-state brain connectivity of the auditory network between ASD and NAC using independent component analysis. We then examined correlations between this connectivity, mismatch negativity, and executive function measured by the Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift task (IED).

The ASD group demonstrated resting-state hyperconnectivity between the auditory network and the regions of the posterior cingulate gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right angular gyrus, and right caudate/thalamus. In ASD, the connectivity between the auditory network and the left inferior frontal gyrus was positively correlated with higher P3a amplitude and a greater number of completed stages on the IED task, indicating enhanced cognitive flexibility.

Findings suggest heightened functional connectivity between the auditory network and various brain regions in ASD. Specifically, connectivity to the left inferior frontal gyrus at rest may predict enhanced attention reorientation and cognitive flexibility in autistic individuals. Further research is warranted to elucidate these relationships.