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Chung S, Son JW. How Well Do We Understand Autistic Savant Artists: A Review of Various Hypotheses and Research Findings to Date. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2023; 34:93-111. [PMID: 37035790 PMCID: PMC10080252 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors investigated the artistic characteristics of autistic savant artists, hypotheses on the proximate and ultimate causes of their emergence, recent psychological and other studies about them, and psychological and neuroaesthetic studies about non-savant autistic individuals. The artistic features of autistic savant artists were significantly similar to those of outsider artists. Furthermore, the authors investigated the explanatory power of the paradoxical functional facilitation theory, the superior visual perception hypothesis, the "Hmmmmm" hypothesis, and the Neanderthal theory of autism regarding the emergence of autistic savant artists. In addition, we investigated whether an increase in savant characteristics was related to a decrease in the ability for social communication. The authors suggested that in studies on the aesthetic experience of non-savant autistic individuals, their aesthetic experience ability is never lower than that of neurotypical individuals and that some non-savant autistic individuals may potentially have artistic talent. Finally, the authors reviewed the effectiveness of the "autism savant spectrum syndromic disorder" proposed by some researchers. More scientific and systematic studies on autistic savant artists from a multidisciplinary perspective are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungwon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
- Autism and Developmental Disorder Treatment Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jung-Woo Son
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
- Autism and Developmental Disorder Treatment Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Address for correspondence: Jung-Woo Son, Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Korea Tel: +82-43-269-6187, Fax: +82-43-267-7951, E-mail:
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Uddin LQ. Exceptional abilities in autism: Theories and open questions. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022; 31:509-517. [PMID: 36776583 PMCID: PMC9916188 DOI: 10.1177/09637214221113760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focuses on characterizing and addressing the social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior that constitute the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Yet, a small but significant portion of individuals diagnosed with ASD exhibit exceptional cognitive abilities in one or more domains. These "twice-exceptional" individuals often have unique skills that enable them to make significant contributions to the workforce, while at the same time facing unique challenges during the transition to independent living due to a lack of services and broad public misperceptions regarding their condition. Here we review the current literature on cognitive divergence in ASD, focusing on cognitive theories, neural substrates, and clinical and societal implications for increasing understanding of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucina Q. Uddin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Valério D, Santana I, Aguiar de Sousa D, Schu G, Leal G, Pavão Martins I, Almeida J. Knowing how to do it or doing it? A double dissociation between tool-gesture production and tool-gesture knowledge. Cortex 2021; 141:449-464. [PMID: 34147827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Deciding how to manipulate an object to fulfill a goal requires accessing different types of object-related information. How these different types of information are integrated and represented in the brain is still an open question. Here, we focus on examining two types of object-related information-tool-gesture knowledge (i.e., how to manipulate an object), and tool-gesture production (i.e., the actual manipulation of an object). We show a double dissociation between tool-gesture knowledge and tool-gesture production: Patient FP presents problems in pantomiming tool use in the context of a spared ability to perform judgments about an object's manipulation, whereas Patient LS can pantomime tool use, but is impaired at performing manipulation judgments. Moreover, we compared the location of the lesions in FP and LS with those sustained by two classic ideomotor apraxic patients (IMA), using a cortical thickness approach. Patient FP presented lesions in common with our classic IMA that included the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and specifically the supramarginal gyrus, the left parietal operculum, the left premotor cortex and the left inferior frontal gyrus, whereas Patient LS and our classic IMA patients presented common lesions in regions of the superior parietal lobule (SPL), motor areas (as primary somatosensory cortex, premotor cortex and primary motor cortex), and frontal areas. Our results show that tool-gesture production and tool-gesture knowledge can be behaviorally and neurally doubly dissociated and put strong constraints on extant theories of action and object recognition and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Valério
- Proaction Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santana
- Neurology Department and Dementia Clinic, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Guilherme Schu
- Proaction Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Leal
- Language Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pavão Martins
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal; Language Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Almeida
- Proaction Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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Erden S, Reyhanoglu G. Conservatory education of a musical savant with autism: a case study in Turkey. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-11-2018-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Savant syndrome, a very rare condition in the world, refers to individuals who have extraordinary talents but might have disabilities that prevent them from maintaining their life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of conservatory instructors about the education of Buğra Çankır (BC), a musical savant with autism.
Design/methodology/approach
As it was difficult to communicate with BC and elicit his views, interviews were conducted with his teachers, who had similar experiences in his music education process. The participants were six instructors who worked as full-time instructors in the conservatory. The participants were administered a semi-structured focus group interview form that described the difficulties, experiences, perceptions and feelings they had in their interactions with BC. Data obtained from the study were subjected to content analysis methods performed by the researchers; analysis involved identification of the codes and themes and formation of sub-themes and codes in line with these themes.
Findings
Results showed that the participants had difficulties in teaching BC because of having insufficient knowledge about his features. In addition, while planning the conservatory education processes, the participants were found to redesign the teaching content considering the features of the student.
Research limitations/implications
The present case study is important in terms of revealing the problems experienced in the education processes of these individuals. More detailed qualitative studies or action research could be utilised in studies to be conducted in the future.
Originality/value
BC’s educational experience is the first case for educational institutions and instructors in Turkey.
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Goh KL, Morris S, Parsons R, Ring A, Tan T. Postural and Cortical Responses Following Visual Occlusion in Adults With and Without ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:1446-1457. [PMID: 29168091 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism is associated with differences in sensory processing and motor coordination. Evidence from electroencephalography suggests individual perturbation evoked response (PER) components represent specific aspects of postural disturbance processing; P1 reflects the detection and N1 reflects the evaluation of postural instability. Despite the importance of these cortical responses to postural control, PERs to a perturbation in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have yet to be reported. The aim was to compare PERs to visual perturbation under varied postural stability conditions in adults with and without ASD. This study is the first to report that while the assessment of postural set is intact, adults with ASD use more cortical resources to integrate and interpret visual perturbations for postural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Leng Goh
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
| | - Susan Morris
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Richard Parsons
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Alexander Ring
- School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tele Tan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Park SK, Son JW, Chung S, Lee S, Ghim HR, Lee SI, Shin CJ, Kim S, Ju G, Choi SC, Kim YY, Koo YJ, Kim BN, Yoo HJ. Autism and Beauty: Neural Correlates of Aesthetic Experiences in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2018; 29:101-113. [PMID: 32595302 PMCID: PMC7289455 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the neural activity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients is different from that of normal individuals when performing aesthetic judgments. Methods: We recruited typical ASD patients without savant skills (ASD group, n=17) and healthy controls (HC group, n=19) for an functional magnetic resonance imaging study. All subjects were scanned while performing aesthetic judgment tasks on two kinds of artwork (magnificent landscape images and fractal images). Differences in brain activation between the two groups were assessed by contrasting neural activity during the tasks. Results: The aesthetic judgment score for all images was significantly lower in the ASD group than in the HC group. During the aesthetic judgment tasks, the ASD group showed less activation than the HC group in the anterior region of the superior frontal gyrus, and more activation in the temporoparietal area and insula, regardless of the type of images being judged. In addition, during the aesthetic judgment task for the fractal images, the ASD group exhibited greater neural activity in the amygdala and the posterior region of the middle/inferior temporal gyrus (Brodmann area 37) than the HC group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the brain activation patterns associated with aesthetic experiences in ASD patients may differ from those of normal individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Kyoung Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jung-Woo Son
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Seungwon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Bugok National Hospital, Changnyeong, Korea
| | - Seungbok Lee
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hei-Rhee Ghim
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Sang-Ick Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Chul-Jin Shin
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Siekyeong Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Gawon Ju
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | | | - Yang Yeol Kim
- SeoulTop Child Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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Wakusawa K, Nara C, Kubota Y, Tomizawa Y, Taki Y, Sassa Y, Kobayashi S, Suzuki-Muromoto S, Hirose M, Yokoyama H, Nara T, Kure S, Mori N, Takei N, Kawashima R. Intra-individual cognitive imbalance in ASD between perceptual reasoning and ambiguity-solving related to tool use: Comparison among children exhibiting ASD, AD/HD, and typical development. Brain Dev 2018; 40:16-25. [PMID: 28750723 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have suggested that objective deficits in the processing of abstract information in conjunction with an enhanced ability to process concrete information is a definitive characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, this cognitive imbalance is not necessarily clear in high-functioning autistic individuals who do not display absolute differences relative to typically developing (TD) populations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify this cognitive tendency in high-functioning autistic individuals using intra-individual cognitive comparisons. METHODS The reaction times (RTs) of TD children, children with ASD, and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) (n=17 in each group, mean age=11.9years, age range=9.8-15.8years) were compared using the Which/How-to-Apply Tools (W/HAT) test, which consists of tasks requiring the adaptive use of novel tools and familiar tools in atypical and typical situations. Differences in RTs between the atypical and typical trials ([A-T]) were used to assess intra-individual cognitive imbalances. RESULTS As predicted, the [A-T] scores of the ASD group were significantly higher than those of the TD group even though the RTs in the atypical and typical trials did not differ. Additionally, the [A-T] values were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the AD/HD group, which indicates that the cognitive imbalance was specific to ASD individuals. No significant interaction was detected between the trial and subject group. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrate that a cognitive imbalance in ASD individuals may enhance the current understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder, which is found in a range of individuals, including those with obvious cortical dysfunction to those with only intra-individual imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Wakusawa
- Department of Advanced Brain Science, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Japan; Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan; Department of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Japan.
| | - Chieko Nara
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yuki Kubota
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yayoi Tomizawa
- Department of Health Science, Tohoku Fukushi University, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Taki
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Yuko Sassa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Satoru Kobayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya City West Medical Center, Japan
| | | | - Mieko Hirose
- Department of Pediatrics, Hakodate Goryokaku Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yokoyama
- Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nara
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Japan
| | - Shigeo Kure
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Norio Mori
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Takei
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kawashima
- Department of Advanced Brain Science, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Japan
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Bouvet L, Barbier JE, Cason N, Bakchine S, Ehrlé N. When synesthesia and savant abilities are mistaken for hallucinations and delusions: contribution of a cognitive approach for their differential diagnosis. Clin Neuropsychol 2017; 31:1459-1473. [PMID: 28276863 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2017.1288269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause social or occupational dysfunction. However, some of these symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, can be indicative of other phenomena such as synesthesia and savant abilities. The aim of this paper is to highlight how neurological and psychiatric conditions can be confused and how formal neuropsychological evaluations can be necessary to distinguish them. METHOD We report the case of a young woman, VA, who perceived sounds as colors and claimed to have elaborated complex astrophysical reasoning, despite having experienced difficulties at school, especially in mathematics. VA also had difficulties to orient herself, to develop social relationships, and often became confused by daily life situations. These elements were considered as symptoms of schizophrenia. RESULTS Evaluations revealed that VA exhibited savant abilities in astrophysics and colored-hearing synesthesia. We also found evidence of higher-than-average cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS In complex cases, neuropsychological and formal evaluations are necessary to establish a differential diagnosis. Moreover, the case highlights the link between synesthesia and savant abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Bouvet
- a Laboratoire CERPPS (EA 7411) , Université Toulouse Jean Jaurés , Toulouse , France
| | | | - Nia Cason
- c Laboratoire PSITEC (EA 4072) , Université de Lille 3 , Lille , France
| | - Serge Bakchine
- d Service de neurologie, Hôpital Maison-Blanche , Hôpital Universitaire de Reims , Reims , France
| | - Nathalie Ehrlé
- c Laboratoire PSITEC (EA 4072) , Université de Lille 3 , Lille , France.,d Service de neurologie, Hôpital Maison-Blanche , Hôpital Universitaire de Reims , Reims , France
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Brief Report: Two Day-Date Processing Methods in an Autistic Savant Calendar Calculator. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 46:1096-102. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ausderau K, Sideris J, Furlong M, Little LM, Bulluck J, Baranek GT. National survey of sensory features in children with ASD: factor structure of the sensory experience questionnaire (3.0). J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:915-25. [PMID: 24097141 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This national online survey study characterized sensory features in 1,307 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 2-12 years using the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire Version 3.0 (SEQ-3.0). Using the SEQ-3.0, a confirmatory factor analytic model with four substantive factors of hypothesized sensory response patterns (i.e., hyporesponsiveness; hyperresponsiveness; sensory interests, repetitions and seeking behaviors; enhanced perception), five method factors of sensory modalities (i.e., auditory, visual, tactile, gustatory/olfactory, vestibular/proprioceptive), and one of social context were tested with good model fit. Child and family characteristics associated with the sensory response patterns were explored. The effect of sensory response patterns on autism severity was tested, controlling for key child and family characteristics. The SEQ-3.0 demonstrates an empirically valid factor structure specific to ASD that considers sensory response patterns, modalities, and social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Ausderau
- Division of Occupational Science, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,
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Dubischar-Krivec AM, Bölte S, Braun C, Poustka F, Birbaumer N, Neumann N. Neural mechanisms of savant calendar calculating in autism: an MEG-study of few single cases. Brain Cogn 2014; 90:157-64. [PMID: 25108822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study contrasted the neurological correlates of calendar calculating (CC) between those individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing individuals. CC is the ability to correctly and quickly state the day of the week of a given date. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we presented 126 calendar tasks with dates of the present, past, and future. Event-related magnetic fields (ERF) of 3000ms duration and brain activation patterns were compared in three savant calendar calculators with ASD (ASDCC) and three typically developing calendar calculators (TYPCC). ASDCC outperformed TYPCC in correct responses, but not in answering speed. Comparing amplitudes of their ERFs, there was a main effect of group between 1000 and 3000ms, but no further effects of hemisphere or sensor location. We conducted CLARA source analysis across the entire CC period in each individual. Both ASDCC and TYPCC exhibited activation maxima in prefrontal areas including the insulae and the left superior temporal gyrus. This is in accordance with verbal fact retrieval and working memory as well as monitoring and coordination processes. In ASDCC, additional activation sites at the right superior occipital gyrus, the right precuneus, and the right putamen point to visual-spatial strategies and are in line with the preference of autistic individuals for engaging posterior regions relatively more strongly in various reasoning and problem solving tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Milena Dubischar-Krivec
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Bölte
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christoph Braun
- MEG-Center, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 47, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fritz Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, J.W. Goethe University of Frankfurt, Deutschordenstr. 50, 60528 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Niels Birbaumer
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Ospedale San Camillo, Istituto Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Via Alberoni 70, 30126 Venezia, Italy
| | - Nicola Neumann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Center for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, Functional Imaging Unit, University of Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau-Str. 46, 17475 Greifswald, Germany.
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Goodman J, Marsh R, Peterson BS, Packard MG. Annual research review: The neurobehavioral development of multiple memory systems--implications for childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2014; 55:582-610. [PMID: 24286520 PMCID: PMC4244838 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence indicates that mammalian memory is organized into multiple brains systems, including a 'cognitive' memory system that depends on the hippocampus and a stimulus-response 'habit' memory system that depends on the dorsolateral striatum. Dorsal striatal-dependent habit memory may in part influence the development and expression of some human psychopathologies, particularly those characterized by strong habit-like behavioral features. The present review considers this hypothesis as it pertains to psychopathologies that typically emerge during childhood and adolescence. These disorders include Tourette syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Human and nonhuman animal research shows that the typical development of memory systems comprises the early maturation of striatal-dependent habit memory and the relatively late maturation of hippocampal-dependent cognitive memory. We speculate that the differing rates of development of these memory systems may in part contribute to the early emergence of habit-like symptoms in childhood and adolescence. In addition, abnormalities in hippocampal and striatal brain regions have been observed consistently in youth with these disorders, suggesting that the aberrant development of memory systems may also contribute to the emergence of habit-like symptoms as core pathological features of these illnesses. Considering these disorders within the context of multiple memory systems may help elucidate the pathogenesis of habit-like symptoms in childhood and adolescence, and lead to novel treatments that lessen the habit-like behavioral features of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarid Goodman
- The Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Marsh
- The MRI Unit and Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry, the New York State Psychiatric Institute and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bradley S. Peterson
- The MRI Unit and Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry, the New York State Psychiatric Institute and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark G. Packard
- The Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Ruggeri B, Sarkans U, Schumann G, Persico AM. Biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: the old and the new. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1201-16. [PMID: 24096533 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with onset during early childhood and typically a life-long course. The majority of ASD cases stems from complex, 'multiple-hit', oligogenic/polygenic underpinnings involving several loci and possibly gene-environment interactions. These multiple layers of complexity spur interest into the identification of biomarkers able to define biologically homogeneous subgroups, predict autism risk prior to the onset of behavioural abnormalities, aid early diagnoses, predict the developmental trajectory of ASD children, predict response to treatment and identify children at risk for severe adverse reactions to psychoactive drugs. OBJECTIVES The present paper reviews (a) similarities and differences between the concepts of 'biomarker' and 'endophenotype', (b) established biomarkers and endophenotypes in autism research (biochemical, morphological, hormonal, immunological, neurophysiological and neuroanatomical, neuropsychological, behavioural), (c) -omics approaches towards the discovery of novel biomarker panels for ASD, (d) bioresource infrastructures and (e) data management for biomarker research in autism. RESULTS Known biomarkers, such as abnormal blood levels of serotonin, oxytocin, melatonin, immune cytokines and lymphocyte subtypes, multiple neuropsychological, electrophysiological and brain imaging parameters, will eventually merge with novel biomarkers identified using unbiased genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic methods, to generate multimarker panels. Bioresource infrastructures, data management and data analysis using artificial intelligence networks will be instrumental in supporting efforts to identify these biomarker panels. CONCLUSIONS Biomarker research has great heuristic potential in targeting autism diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruggeri
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Bouvet L, Donnadieu S, Valdois S, Caron C, Dawson M, Mottron L. Veridical mapping in savant abilities, absolute pitch, and synesthesia: an autism case study. Front Psychol 2014; 5:106. [PMID: 24600416 PMCID: PMC3927080 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An enhanced role and autonomy of perception are prominent in autism. Furthermore, savant abilities, absolute pitch, and synesthesia are all more commonly found in autistic individuals than in the typical population. The mechanism of veridical mapping has been proposed to account for how enhanced perception in autism leads to the high prevalence of these three phenomena and their structural similarity. Veridical mapping entails functional rededication of perceptual brain regions to higher order cognitive operations, allowing the enhanced detection and memorization of isomorphisms between perceptual and non-perceptual structures across multiple scales. In this paper, we present FC, an autistic individual who possesses several savant abilities in addition to both absolute pitch and synesthesia-like associations. The co-occurrence in FC of abilities, some of them rare, which share the same structure, as well as FC’s own accounts of their development, together suggest the importance of veridical mapping in the atypical range and nature of abilities displayed by autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Bouvet
- Laboratoire de Psychologie et Neurocognition, CNRS UMR 5105 Grenoble, France ; Université Lille 3 - Charles de Gaulle Lille, France
| | - Sophie Donnadieu
- Laboratoire de Psychologie et Neurocognition, CNRS UMR 5105 Grenoble, France ; Université de Savoie Chambéry, France
| | - Sylviane Valdois
- Laboratoire de Psychologie et Neurocognition, CNRS UMR 5105 Grenoble, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Paris, France
| | - Chantal Caron
- Centre d'Excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies Montréal, Canada
| | - Michelle Dawson
- Centre d'Excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies Montréal, Canada
| | - Laurent Mottron
- Centre d'Excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies Montréal, Canada
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Kenworthy L, Yerys BE, Weinblatt R, Abrams DN, Wallace GL. Motor demands impact speed of information processing in autism spectrum disorders. Neuropsychology 2013; 27:529-36. [PMID: 23937483 PMCID: PMC4603390 DOI: 10.1037/a0033599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The apparent contradiction between preserved or even enhanced perceptual processing speed on inspection time tasks in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and impaired performance on complex processing speed tasks that require motor output (e.g., Wechsler Processing Speed Index) has not yet been systematically investigated. This study investigates whether adding motor output demands to an inspection time task impairs ASD performance compared to that of typically developing control (TDC) children. The performance of children with ASD (n = 28; mean Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) = 115) and TDC (n = 25; mean FSIQ = 122) children was compared on processing speed tasks with increasing motor demand. Correlations were run between ASD task performance and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Communication scores. Performance by the ASD and TDC groups on a simple perceptual processing speed task with minimal motor demand was equivalent, though it diverged (ASD worse than TDC) on 2 tasks with the same stimuli but increased motor output demands. ASD performance on the moderate but not the high speeded motor output demand task was negatively correlated with ADOS communication symptoms. These data address the apparent contradiction between preserved inspection time in the context of slowed "processing speed" in ASD. They show that processing speed is preserved when motor demands are minimized, but that increased motor output demands interfere with the ability to act on perceptual processing of simple stimuli. Reducing motor demands (e.g., through the use of computers) may increase the capacity of people with ASD to demonstrate good perceptual processing in a variety of educational, vocational, and social settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kenworthy
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders – Children’s National Medical Center
| | - Benjamin E. Yerys
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders – Children’s National Medical Center
- Center for Autism Research – The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Rachel Weinblatt
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders – Children’s National Medical Center
| | - Danielle N. Abrams
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders – Children’s National Medical Center
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Yadav R, Hillman BG, Gupta SC, Suryavanshi P, Bhatt JM, Pavuluri R, Stairs DJ, Dravid SM. Deletion of glutamate delta-1 receptor in mouse leads to enhanced working memory and deficit in fear conditioning. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60785. [PMID: 23560106 PMCID: PMC3616134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate delta-1 (GluD1) receptors are expressed throughout the forebrain during development with high levels in the hippocampus during adulthood. We have recently shown that deletion of GluD1 receptor results in aberrant emotional and social behaviors such as hyperaggression and depression-like behaviors and social interaction deficits. Additionally, abnormal expression of synaptic proteins was observed in amygdala and prefrontal cortex of GluD1 knockout mice (GluD1 KO). However the role of GluD1 in learning and memory paradigms remains unknown. In the present study we evaluated GluD1 KO in learning and memory tests. In the eight-arm radial maze GluD1 KO mice committed fewer working memory errors compared to wildtype mice but had normal reference memory. Enhanced working memory in GluD1 KO was also evident by greater percent alternation in the spontaneous Y-maze test. No difference was observed in object recognition memory in the GluD1 KO mice. In the Morris water maze test GluD1 KO mice showed no difference in acquisition but had longer latency to find the platform in the reversal learning task. GluD1 KO mice showed a deficit in contextual and cue fear conditioning but had normal latent inhibition. The deficit in contextual fear conditioning was reversed by D-Cycloserine (DCS) treatment. GluD1 KO mice were also found to be more sensitive to foot-shock compared to wildtype. We further studied molecular changes in the hippocampus, where we found lower levels of GluA1, GluA2 and GluK2 subunits while a contrasting higher level of GluN2B in GluD1 KO. Additionally, we found higher postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and lower glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression in GluD1 KO. We propose that GluD1 is crucial for normal functioning of synapses and absence of GluD1 leads to specific abnormalities in learning and memory. These findings provide novel insights into the role of GluD1 receptors in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopali Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Brandon G. Hillman
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Subhash C. Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Pratyush Suryavanshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Jay M. Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Ratnamala Pavuluri
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Dustin J. Stairs
- Department of Psychology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Shashank M. Dravid
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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18
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Mottron L, Bouvet L, Bonnel A, Samson F, Burack JA, Dawson M, Heaton P. Veridical mapping in the development of exceptional autistic abilities. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:209-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Corrigan NM, Richards TL, Treffert DA, Dager SR. Toward a better understanding of the savant brain. Compr Psychiatry 2012; 53:706-17. [PMID: 22206802 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are to investigate the neuroanatomy, regional brain connectivity, and neurochemistry of a prodigious artistic savant; to place these findings within the context of existing neuroimaging literature of savant syndrome; and to discuss the utility of newer imaging modalities to extend our current understanding of mechanisms underlying savant skills. METHODS High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, J-resolved MR spectroscopy, and diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired during a single scanning session for a 63-year-old male autistic savant with prodigious artistic skills. Regional and compartmental brain volumes, N-acetyl aspartate, choline, creatine, glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid concentrations, fractional anisotropy values, and white matter bundle volumes as well as axial, radial, and mean diffusivities were calculated. RESULTS No gross anatomical differences were observed. By morphological assessment, cerebral volume (1362 mL) was larger than normative literature values for adult males. The corpus callosum was intact and did not exhibit abnormal structural features. The right cerebral hemisphere was 1.9% larger than the left hemisphere; the right amygdala and right caudate nuclei were 24% and 9.9% larger, respectively, compared with the left side. In contrast, the putamen was 8.3% larger on the left side. Fractional anisotropy was increased on the right side as compared with the left for 4 of the 5 bilateral regions studied (the amygdala, caudate, frontal lobe, and hippocampus). Fiber tract bundle volumes were larger on the right side for the amygdala, hippocampus, frontal lobe, and occipital lobe. Both the left and the right hippocampi had substantially increased axial and mean diffusivities as compared with those of a comparison sample of nonsavant adult males. The corpus callosum and left amygdala also exhibited high axial, radial, and mean diffusivities. MR spectroscopy revealed markedly decreased γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in the parietal lobe. CONCLUSIONS Although examination of brain gross morphometry demonstrated no clinically remarkable abnormalities, utilization of conventional as well as newer MR imaging technologies revealed several atypical structural and chemical features that may be involved in the special skills of this prodigious savant. The multimodal imaging approach presented in this study is suitable for the evaluation of larger samples of savants with a diverse range of talents to investigate common brain features that may underlie the exceptional cognitive capabilities characteristic of savant syndrome. Given the high co-occurrence of the two syndromes, elucidating the underlying neurophysiologic basis of savant syndrome may also lead to a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neva M Corrigan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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20
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Oliveras-Rentas RE, Kenworthy L, Roberson RB, Martin A, Wallace GL. WISC-IV profile in high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: impaired processing speed is associated with increased autism communication symptoms and decreased adaptive communication abilities. J Autism Dev Disord 2012; 42:655-64. [PMID: 21638108 PMCID: PMC3448485 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-011-1289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-IV (WISC-IV) may affect the IQ profile characteristic of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, the association of particular component cognitive abilities (unlike overall IQ) with symptomatology and adaptive functioning in ASD remains unclear. This archival study characterizes the WISC-IV IQ profile among 56 high-functioning (IQ > 70) children with ASD and correlates WISC-IV performance with ASD and ADHD symptomatology and adaptive functioning. The ASD WISC-IV profile included strengths on Matrix Reasoning and Similarities, weaknesses on Comprehension (which correlated negatively with social symptoms) and the subtests comprising the Processing Speed Index (Coding, Symbol Search). Processing speed task performance correlated negatively with communication symptoms and positively with communication abilities, indicating its importance to functional outcomes in ASD.
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21
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Schott GD. Pictures as a neurological tool: lessons from enhanced and emergent artistry in brain disease. Brain 2012; 135:1947-63. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Conson M, Salzano S, Grossi D. Neuropsychological functioning of an Asperger child with exceptional skill in arranging picture stories. Neurocase 2011; 17:353-9. [PMID: 21225490 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2010.509325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A striking special ability in arranging picture stories was reported in an Asperger child (C.M.) showing an exceptional performance on Wechsler picture arrangement subtest. Neuropsychological examination did not disclose visuoperceptual and spatial defects, or working memory, attention and executive disorders, but revealed an attentional bias towards local details of complex structures. A specific assessment of C.M.'s understanding of picture stories demonstrated that, with respect to normal controls, he showed an enhanced ability to detect causal links among elements of a story. These findings provide support to the hypothesis that savantism can be related to strong systemizing in autism.
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23
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Fehr T, Wallace GL, Erhard P, Herrmann M. The neural architecture of expert calendar calculation: a matter of strategy? Neurocase 2011; 17:360-71. [PMID: 21547846 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2010.532135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Savants and prodigies are individuals with exceptional skills in particular mental domains. In the present study we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine neural correlates of calendar calculation in two individuals, a savant with Asperger's disorder and a self-taught mathematical prodigy. If there is a modular neural organization of exceptional performance in a specific mental domain, calendar calculation should be reflected in a considerable overlap in the recruitment of brain circuits across expert individuals. However, considerable individual differences in activation patterns during calendar calculation were noted. The present results indicate that activation patterns produced by complex mental processing, such as calendar calculation, seem to be influenced strongly by learning history and idiosyncratic strategy usage rather than a modular neural organization. Thus, well-known individual differences in complex cognition play a major role even in experts with exceptional abilities in a particular mental domain and should in particular be considered when examining the neural architecture of complex mental processes and skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Fehr
- Center for Cognitive Sciences, Department of Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
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24
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Wallace GL, Dankner N, Kenworthy L, Giedd JN, Martin A. Age-related temporal and parietal cortical thinning in autism spectrum disorders. Brain 2010; 133:3745-54. [PMID: 20926367 PMCID: PMC2995883 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of head size and brain volume in autism spectrum disorders have suggested that early cortical overgrowth may be followed by prematurely arrested growth. However, the few investigations quantifying cortical thickness have yielded inconsistent results, probably due to variable ages and/or small sample sizes. We assessed differences in cortical thickness between high-functioning adolescent and young adult males with autism spectrum disorders (n = 41) and matched typically developing males (n = 40). We hypothesized thinner cortex, particularly in frontal, parietal and temporal regions, for individuals with autism spectrum disorders in comparison with typically developing controls. Furthermore, we expected to find an age × diagnosis interaction: with increasing age, more pronounced cortical thinning would be observed in autism spectrum disorders than typically developing participants. T(1)-weighted magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from high-functioning males with autism spectrum disorders and from typically developing males matched group-wise on age (range 12-24 years), intelligence quotient (≥ 85) and handedness. Both gyral-level and vertex-based analyses revealed significantly thinner cortex in the autism spectrum disorders group that was located predominantly in left temporal and parietal regions (i.e. the superior temporal sulcus, inferior temporal, postcentral/superior parietal and supramarginal gyri). These findings remained largely unchanged after controlling for intelligence quotient and after accounting for psychotropic medication usage and comorbid psychopathology. Furthermore, a significant age × diagnosis interaction was found in the left fusiform/inferior temporal cortex: participants with autism spectrum disorders had thinner cortex in this region with increasing age to a greater degree than did typically developing participants. Follow-up within group comparisons revealed significant age-related thinning in the autism spectrum disorders group but not in the typically developing group. Both thinner temporal and parietal cortices during adolescence and young adulthood and discrepantly accelerated age-related cortical thinning in autism spectrum disorders suggest that a second period of abnormal cortical growth (i.e. greater thinning) may be characteristic of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Wallace
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1366, USA.
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25
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The mind of the mnemonists: an MEG and neuropsychological study of autistic memory savants. Behav Brain Res 2010; 215:114-21. [PMID: 20637245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 07/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
About 10% of autistic individuals exhibit some form of islets of abilities in the face of serious intellectual or mental disability ("savant syndrome"). The aim of this study was to investigate brain mechanisms in a sample of autistic subjects with outstanding memory. We investigated seven mnemonist savants with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and seven matched controls with 151-channel whole-head magnetencephalography in a continuous old-new paradigm. They were presented with 300 pseudowords and 300 shapes and had to indicate by button press, whether the presented stimulus had been shown before. Unexpectedly, mnemonist savants did not perform better than controls, but were outperformed in the recognition of pseudowords. Accordingly, event-related magnetic fields elicited by pseudowords showed widespread old-new effects in controls, but not in savants. A source analysis of its early components revealed right occipital activation in savants, but left parietal activation in controls. This might be related to a visual processing style in mnemonist savants that proved to be inefficient in this task. During the possibly familiarity-based recognition of shapes, there were earlier and more widespread bilateral old-new effects in mnemonist savants, what might reflect their experience with figural material. In a neuropsychological test battery, mnemonist savants performed comparably to autistic people without special memory skills. However, a different factor structure of these tests pointed to a different organization of memory in mnemonist savants compared to controls that is characterized by its relative independence of general intelligence.
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Loui P, Li HC, Hohmann A, Schlaug G. Enhanced cortical connectivity in absolute pitch musicians: a model for local hyperconnectivity. J Cogn Neurosci 2010; 23:1015-26. [PMID: 20515408 DOI: 10.1162/jocn.2010.21500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Connectivity in the human brain has received increased scientific interest in recent years. Although connection disorders can affect perception, production, learning, and memory, few studies have associated brain connectivity with graded variations in human behavior, especially among normal individuals. One group of normal individuals who possess unique characteristics in both behavior and brain structure is absolute pitch (AP) musicians, who can name the appropriate pitch class of any given tone without a reference. Using diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, we observed hyperconnectivity in bilateral superior temporal lobe structures linked to AP possession. Furthermore, volume of tracts connecting left superior temporal gyrus to left middle temporal gyrus predicted AP performance. These findings extend previous reports of exaggerated temporal lobe asymmetry, may explain the higher incidence of AP in special populations, and may provide a model for understanding the heightened connectivity that is thought to underlie savant skills and cases of exceptional creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Psyche Loui
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave., Palmer 127, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Happé F, Frith U. The beautiful otherness of the autistic mind. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2009; 364:1346-50. [PMID: 19528016 PMCID: PMC2677594 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Happé
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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28
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Brief Report: Information Processing Speed is Intact in Autism but not Correlated with Measured Intelligence. J Autism Dev Disord 2009; 39:809-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-008-0684-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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