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Electrophysiological Evidence of Atypical Spatial Attention in Those with a High Level of Self-reported Autistic Traits

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Abstract

Selective attention is atypical in individuals with autism spectrum conditions. Evidence suggests this is also the case for those with high levels of autistic traits. Here we investigated the neural basis of spatial attention in those with high and low levels of self-reported autistic traits via analysis of ERP deflections associated with covert attention, target selection and distractor suppression (the N2pc, NT and PD). Larger N2pc and smaller PD amplitude was observed in those with high levels of autistic traits. These data provide neural evidence for differences in spatial attention, specifically, reduced distractor suppression in those with high levels of autistic traits, and may provide insight into the experience of perceptual overload often reported by individuals on the autism spectrum.

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Author Contributions

SD conceived of, designed and co-ordinated the studies; analysed and interpreted data and drafted the manuscript; EM participated in the analysis and interpretation of the data and drafting of the manuscript; MF participated in the interpretation of the data and drafting of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK

    Stephanie A. Dunn, Megan Freeth & Elizabeth Milne

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  1. Stephanie A. Dunn
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  2. Megan Freeth
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  3. Elizabeth Milne
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Correspondence to Elizabeth Milne.

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Dunn, S.A., Freeth, M. & Milne, E. Electrophysiological Evidence of Atypical Spatial Attention in Those with a High Level of Self-reported Autistic Traits. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 2199–2210 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2751-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2751-3

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