Resting-state oscillatory activity in autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Sep;42(9):1884-94. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1431-6.

Abstract

Neural oscillatory anomalies in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) suggest an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance; however, the nature and clinical relevance of these anomalies are unclear. Whole-cortex magnetoencephalography data were collected while 50 children (27 with ASD, 23 controls) underwent an eyes-closed resting-state exam. A Fast Fourier Transform was applied and oscillatory activity examined from 1 to 120 Hz at 15 regional sources. Associations between oscillatory anomalies and symptom severity were probed. Children with ASD exhibited regionally specific elevations in delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and high frequency (20-120 Hz) power, supporting an imbalance of neural excitation/inhibition as a neurobiological feature of ASD. Increased temporal and parietal alpha power was associated with greater symptom severity and thus is of particular interest.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Brain Waves / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetoencephalography
  • Male