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A Review of Cardiac Autonomic Measures: Considerations for Examination of Physiological Response in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders volume 45, pages 560–575 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for multiple physiological responses, and dysfunction of this system is often hypothesized as contributing to cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses in children. Research suggests that examination of ANS activity may provide insight into behavioral dysregulation in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), however, there is wide variability in samples, methods, and measures reported. The purpose of this review is to describe frequently reported cardiac ANS measures; discuss theoretical models linking ANS measures with neurological structures; and synthesize pediatric literature using ANS measures on typical and ASD samples. Such a synthesis will provide researchers with a foundation for the use of ANS cardiac methods and measures in ASD research.

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Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to our esteemed colleagues conducting physiological research who have provided their guidance and feedback during the early stages of reviewing the literature; most notably Dr. Roseann Schaaf for her mentorship and friendship.

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  1. Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Teal W. Benevides

  2. Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980008, Richmond, VA, 23298-0008, USA

    Shelly J. Lane

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Correspondence to Teal W. Benevides.

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Benevides, T.W., Lane, S.J. A Review of Cardiac Autonomic Measures: Considerations for Examination of Physiological Response in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 560–575 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1971-z

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Keywords

  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Parasympathetic
  • Sympathetic
  • Review