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Eyeblink Conditioning: A Non-invasive Biomarker for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Abstract

Eyeblink conditioning (EBC) is a classical conditioning paradigm typically used to study the underlying neural processes of learning and memory. EBC has a well-defined neural circuitry, is non-invasive, and can be employed in human infants shortly after birth making it an ideal tool to use in both developing and special populations. In addition, abnormalities in the cerebellum, a region of the brain highly involved in EBC, have been implicated in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In the current paper, we review studies that have employed EBC as a biomarker for several neurodevelopmental disorders including fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, specific language impairment, and schizophrenia. In addition, we discuss the benefits of using such a tool in individuals with ASD.

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Acknowledgments

The writing of this paper was supported by NIMH grant MH 080759 to Pat Levitt and Nathan Fox.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, DM 256, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Bethany C. Reeb-Sutherland

  2. Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA

    Nathan A. Fox

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  1. Bethany C. Reeb-Sutherland
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  2. Nathan A. Fox
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Correspondence to Bethany C. Reeb-Sutherland.

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Reeb-Sutherland, B.C., Fox, N.A. Eyeblink Conditioning: A Non-invasive Biomarker for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 376–394 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1905-9

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