Differential autonomic responses of autistic and normal children

The autonomic responses of 10 autistic and 10 normal children were compared using auditory stimuli varying in social relevance. Consistent differences in heart rate response and skin conductance level were found between the groups. The results suggest that the autistic subjects exhibited deficits in psychophysiological reactivity to a range of environmental stimuli. Findings are discussed in terms of the information-processing capabilities of autistic children, and probable physiological correlates. Implications for treatment are considered.