Rochester, New York – A new study conducted at the University of Rochester has shed light on how adults with autism process touch differently than neurotypical individuals. Unlike those without autism whose brain activity decreases during self-initiated touch, adults on the autism spectrum show similar brain responses to both active and passive touch. This discovery may offer insights into understanding repetitive behaviors like stimming, which are common in individuals with autism and can serve as mechanisms for emotional regulation or sensory coping.
The study, published in NeuroImage, utilized EEG, virtual reality, and vibrotactile input to create a realistic experimental setup that mimicked touch and tracked brain responses. By studying how sensory input can influence behavior, the researchers hope to develop interventions to reduce harmful self-stimulation among individuals with autism.
Stimming, a form of self-stimulatory movement, is prevalent among people with autism and can manifest as actions like finger flicking or rocking back and forth. While stimming can help individuals cope with overwhelming sensory environments or express emotions, it remains a complex behavior that is not fully understood. Although most stimming behaviors are harmless, in some cases, they can escalate and lead to serious injuries.
The research team, led by Emily Isenstein, a Medical Scientist Training Program trainee at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, found that adults with autism have difficulty in predicting sensory outcomes, potentially contributing to stimming behaviors. By delving into how the brain processes different types of touch, the researchers hope to identify healthier ways for individuals with autism to express themselves and avoid self-injury.
Using a combination of EEG, virtual reality, and tactile simulation, the study compared brain responses in neurotypical adults and adults with autism during active and passive touch tasks. The results revealed that while the neurotypical group showed a reduced response in brain signals during active touch, the group with autism exhibited similar brain responses to both active and passive touch, indicating a challenge in distinguishing between the two types of touch.
John Foxe, director of the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at the University of Rochester, noted that the findings suggest that children with autism may experience even more pronounced differences in brain processing compared to their neurotypical peers. The researchers aim to further explore how these findings can be applied to understand stimming behaviors more comprehensively in individuals with autism.
The collaborative study, supported by the Schmitt Program in Integrative Neuroscience and various institutes under the National Institutes of Health, marks a significant step forward in unraveling the complexities of sensory processing in autism. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations, the research team hopes to pave the way for more effective interventions to support individuals with autism in managing their sensory experiences and behaviors.