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Evidence from auditory nerve and brainstem evoked responses for an organic brain lesion in children with autistic traits

Journal of autism and childhood schizophrenia volume 8, pages 13–20 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

In an attempt to resolve the question as to whether children with autistic traits have an organic nervous system lesion, auditory nerve and brainstem evoked responses were recorded in a group of 15 children with autistic traits. The most obvious results included a longer response latency of the auditory nerve and a longer brainstem transmission time, compared to normal children. Five of the autistic children were found to be profoundly deaf. These results strengthen the theory that an organic lesion of the nervous system can give rise to autistic traits.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Behavioral Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv

    M. Student

  2. Department of Physiology, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, P.O.B. 1172, Jerusalem, Israel

    H. Sohmer

Authors
  1. M. Student
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  2. H. Sohmer
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Additional information

We wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the following institutions and individuals: Professors Russel and Szabo, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem; Dr. Perlmutter, Child Mental Health Center, Jerusalem; Dr. Shereshevsky, Child Development Center, Beit Abrahams, Tel Aviv.

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Student, M., Sohmer, H. Evidence from auditory nerve and brainstem evoked responses for an organic brain lesion in children with autistic traits. J Autism Dev Disord 8, 13–20 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01550274

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01550274

Keywords

  • Nervous System
  • Response Latency
  • Brain Lesion
  • Transmission Time
  • Normal Child