Attentional Networks in Adolescents with High-functioning Autism: An fMRI Investigation

• DOI: 10.2174/1874440001610010102
• Publication Date: 2016-10-13T10:55:17Z
• Authors: Elizabeth C. Hames; Ravi Rajmohan; Dan Fang; Ronald Anderson; Mary Baker; David M. Richman; Michael O. Boyle
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; FMRI; 610; Attention; Adolescents; ASD; High-functioning autism; Article; Executive control; 3. Good health

Attentional deficits in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often noted, but their specific nature remains unclear.The present study used the child Network Task (Child ANT) combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine if consistently cited of orienting attention truly due dysfunctions orienting-based networks. We hypothesized that these observations are, fact, a reflection executive dysfunctions. As such, we expected although ASD adolescents would perform worse on portion Child ANT, strongest differences activation between them and neurotypical (NT) control group be areas classically associated functioning (e.g., frontal gyri anterior cingulate cortex).The brain activity six high-functioning NT was recorded while individuals performed three subcomponents ANT.ASDs were shown more accurate than NTs for alerting, less orienting, similar accuracy portions ANT. fMRI data showed increased bilateral recruitment, conventionally control, during task group.We submit activations represent neurocorrelates signal fixation attributable subset responsible sustained maintenance signals, not main components orienting. Therefore, excessive is likely subcomponent network.