Is autonomic function during resting-state atypical in Autism: A systematic review of evidence. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arora, Iti; Bellato, Alessio; Ropar, Danielle; Hollis, Chris; Groom, Madeleine J.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 125(2021)
• Page Start: 417
• Page End: 441
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder -- Autonomic arousal -- Resting State -- Heart rate variability -- Electrodermal activity -- Pupillometry; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: The evidence was not consistently in support of either hypo- or hyper- arousal of the ANS during resting-state in autism. Experimental context of resting-state autonomic measurement impacts the pattern of group differences reported. There was some evidence for both parasympathetic and sympathetic underactivation in autistic individuals. The findings indicate atypical autonomic adaptation to changes in environmental context in autistic individuals. This has important implications for adaptation to different day-to-day settings for autistic people. Abstract: Background: Theories of differences in resting-state arousal in autistic individuals are influential. Differences in arousal during resting-state would impact engagement and adaptation to the environment, having a cascading effect on development of attentional and social skills. Objectives: We systematically evaluated the evidence for differences in measures of autonomic arousal (heart rate, pupillometry or electrodermal activity) during resting-state in autistic individuals; to understand whether certain contextual or methodological factors impact reports of such differences. Data sources: We searched PsycInfo, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for papers published until 16th May 2019. Of 1207 titles initially identified, 60 met inclusion criteria. Results and Conclusions: Of the 51 studies that investigated group differences between neurotypical and autistic participants, 60.8 % found evidence of group differences. While findings of hyperarousal were more common, particularly using indices of parasympathetic function, findings of hypo-arousal and autonomic dysregulation were also consistently present. Importantly, experimental context played a role in revealing such differences. The evidence is discussed with regard to important methodological factors and implications for future research are described.