Behavioral, perceptual, and neural alterations in sensory and multisensory function in autism spectrum disorder. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baum, Sarah H.; Stevenson, Ryan A.; Wallace, Mark T.
• Is Part Of: Progress in neurobiology. Volume 134(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 140
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder -- Sensory processing deficits -- Sensory representations -- Psychophysics -- Neuroimaging; ASD autism spectrum disorder -- DSM-5 diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders -- EFT Embedded Figures Test -- TD typically developing -- SIFI sound induced flash illusion -- ToM theory of mind -- WCC weak central coherence -- STS superior temporal sulcus -- TPJ temporal parietal junction -- fMRI functional magnetic resonance imaging -- AIS active information storage -- GABA γ-aminobutyric acid -- MRS magnetic resonance spectroscopy -- FFA fusiform face area -- STG superior temporal gyrus -- IFG inferior frontal gyrus -- DMN default mode network -- DTI diffusion tensor imaging -- EEG electroencephalography -- AEP auditory evoked potentials -- SIT sensory integration therapy -- SERT serotonin transporter; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurobiologie -- Périodiques; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-0082

Abstract

Highlights: Although sensory processing problems are common in ASD, they are poorly characterized. There is increasing recognition of the prevalence and importance of multisensory processing changes in ASD. Sensory and multisensory representations form the building blocks of higher-order cognitive representations. Hence low-level sensory changes in ASD are likely to impact domains such as social communication. Remediation approaches that focus on sensory function may hold promise in ASD treatment. Abstract: Although sensory processing challenges have been noted since the first clinical descriptions of autism, it has taken until the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 for sensory problems to be included as part of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the diagnostic profile. Because sensory information forms the building blocks for higher-order social and cognitive functions, we argue that sensory processing is not only an additional piece of the puzzle, but rather a critical cornerstone for characterizing and understanding ASD. In this review we discuss what is currently known about sensory processing in ASD, how sensory function fits within contemporary models of ASD, and what is understood about the differences in the underlying neural processing of sensory and social communication observed between individuals with and without ASD. In addition to highlighting the sensory features associated with ASD, we also emphasize the importance of multisensory processing in building perceptual and cognitive representations, and how deficits in multisensory integration may also be a core characteristic of ASD.