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Neurophysiological Correlates of Sensory-Based Phenotypes in ASD

Child Psychiatry & Human Development (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder frequently present with atypical behavioral responses to sensory stimuli, as well as differences in autonomic nervous system (ANS) and neuroendocrine activity. However, no one consistent pattern appears to explain these differences within this heterogeneous population. To conceptualize more homogenous ASD subgroups, sensory-based subtypes have been explored. One subtyping mechanism groups children by sensory responsivity pattern in addition to sensory domain. Differences in nervous system responsivity to sensory input within this sensory-based subtyping scheme have not yet been investigated. This exploratory study used ANS indices (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA], skin conductance level) and neuroendocrine (salivary cortisol) response to examine patterns differentiating these subtypes. Significant differences in RSA were found during baseline, and during tactile, tone and movement stimuli (p < 0.05). Subtype membership was predicted by RSA changes during auditory stimulation and recovery periods (p < 0.05). Results confirm that children with an adaptive sensory responsivity subtype differ from those children with sensory processing dysfunction, however, physiological variables did not distinguish between children with different patterns of sensory processing dysfunction.

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Acknowledgements

The primary author acknowledges that this work was completed in partial fulfillment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Virginia Commonwealth University. The authors would also like to acknowledge Teal Benevides for her assistance with data transfer and sharing as well as clarification on items related to the original data collection.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Therapy, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave. IM 323, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA

    Kelle K. DeBoth

  2. Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Stacey Reynolds

  3. Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

    Shelly J. Lane

  4. College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

    Henry Carretta

  5. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia

    Alison E. Lane

  6. Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Roseann C. Schaaf

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  1. Kelle K. DeBoth
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Correspondence to Kelle K. DeBoth.

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DeBoth, K.K., Reynolds, S., Lane, S.J. et al. Neurophysiological Correlates of Sensory-Based Phenotypes in ASD. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01266-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01266-8

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Subtypes
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Heart rate variability
  • Electrodermal activity