Intact neural representations of affective meaning of touch but lack of embodied resonance in autism: a multi-voxel pattern analysis study

Abstract Background Humans can easily grasp the affective meaning of touch when observing social interactions. Several neural systems support this ability, including the theory of mind (ToM) network and the somatosensory system linked to embodied resonance, but it is unclear how these systems are affected in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD exhibit impairments in the use of nonverbal communication such as social and reciprocal touch. Despite the importance of touch in social communication and the reported touch aversion in ASD, surprisingly little is known about the neural systems underlying impairments in touch communication in ASD. Methods The present study applies a dynamic and socially meaningful stimulus set combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to pinpoint atypicalities in the neural circuitry underlying socio-affective touch observation in adults with ASD. Twenty-one adults with ASD and 21 matched neurotypical adults evaluated the valence and arousal of 75 video fragments displaying touch interactions. Subsequently, they underwent fMRI while watching the same videos. Using multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) and multiple regression analysis, we examined which brain regions represent the socio-affective meaning of observed touch. To further understand the brain-behavior relationship, we correlated the strength of affective representations in the somatosensory cortex with individuals’ attitude towards social touch in general and with a quantitative index of autism traits as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale. Results Results revealed that the affective meaning of touch was well represented in the temporoparietal junction, a core mentalizing area, in both groups. Conversely, only the neurotypical group represented affective touch in the somatosensory cortex, a region involved in self-experienced touch. Lastly, irrespective of the group, individuals with a more positive attitude towards receiving, witnessing, and providing social touch and with a higher score on social responsivity showed more differentiated representations of the affective meaning of touch in these somatosensory areas. Conclusions Together, our findings imply that male adults with ASD show intact cognitive understanding (i.e., “knowing”) of observed socio-affective touch interactions, but lack of spontaneous embodied resonance (i.e., “feeling”).

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Social touch observation in adults with autism: intact neural representations of affective meaning but lack of embodied resonance

10.1101/512327 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Haemy Lee Masson ◽

Ineke Pillet ◽

Steffie Amelynck ◽

Stien Van De Plas ◽

Michelle Hendriks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum ◽

Neural Basis ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Significant Group ◽

Affective Meaning ◽

Affective Touch ◽

Autism Traits ◽

Social Touch ◽

Touch Avoidance ◽

Emotional Resonance

AbstractHumans can easily grasp the affective meaning of touch when observing social interactions. Several neural systems support this ability, including theory of mind (ToM) and somatosensory resonance systems, but it is unclear how these systems are affected in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD are characterized by impairments in social interaction and the use of (non)verbal communication such as social and reciprocal touch. The present study applies an ecologically valid stimulus set and multivoxel pattern fMRI neuroimaging to pinpoint atypicalities in the neural circuitry underlying socio-affective touch observation in adults with ASD as compared to matched neurotypical controls. The MVPA results reveal that the affective meaning of touch is well represented in the temporoparietal junction, a core ToM mentalizing area, in both groups. Conversely, only the neurotypical group hosts affective touch representations in the somatosensory cortex, not the ASD group, yielding a significant group difference. Lastly, individuals with a more positive attitude towards receiving, witnessing, and providing social touch and with a higher score on social responsivity, show more differentiated representations of the affective meaning of touch in these somatosensory areas. Together, our findings imply that individuals with ASD are able to cognitively represent the affective meaning of touch, but they lack the spontaneous embodied somatosensory resonance when observing social touch communications. Individual differences in this diminished resonance appear to be related to social touch avoidance and quantitative autism traits.Significance StatementAutism is characterized by socio-communicative impairments, including abnormal processing of interpersonal touch. Little is known about the neural basis of atypicalities in social touch processing in autism. Here, adults with and without autism watched video clips displaying social touch interactions and judged the affective valence of the touch. Subsequently, they underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while watching the same videos. Brain activity patterns demonstrate that adults with autism show intact cognitive understanding (i.e. “knowing”) of observed socio-affective touch experiences but lack of embodied emotional resonance (i.e. “feeling”). This lack of emotional resonance is linked to social touch avoidance and quantitative autism traits. These findings highlight that the depth of experiencing the state of others is shallower in people with autism.

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A single- and paired-pulse TMS-EEG investigation of the N100 and long interval cortical inhibition in autism spectrum disorder

10.1101/2021.01.06.425653 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Melissa Kirkovski ◽

Aron T Hill ◽

Nigel C Rogasch ◽

Takashi Saeki ◽

Bernadette M Fitzgibbon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Primary Motor Cortex ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Cortical Inhibition ◽

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽

Stimulus Interval ◽

Temporoparietal Junction ◽

Adults With Asd

Background: There is evidence to suggest a disruption of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but findings are mixed. Concurrent electroencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS-EEG) provides a novel method by which to probe GABA-mediated cortical inhibition. Methods: With a particular focus on GABAB-ergic mechanisms, we investigated the N100 peak of the TMS evoked potential (TEP), as well as long interval cortical inhibition (LICIEEG) in adults with ASD (n = 23; 12 female) without intellectual disability, and a neurotypical comparison group (n =22; 12 female) matched for age, sex, and IQ. Seventy-five single- (spTMS) and 75 paired- (ppTMS; 100 ms inter-stimulus-interval) pulses were applied to the right primary motor cortex (M1), right temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while EEG was recorded from 20 scalp electrodes. Additionally, electromyography (EMG) was used to investigate corticospinal inhibition following ppTMS to M1 (LICIEMG). Results: There were no group differences in the N100 amplitude or latency following spTMS. LICI outcomes following ppTMS, as measured by either EEG or EMG, also did not differ between groups. These findings were further supported by Bayesian analyses, which provided weak-moderate support for the null hypothesis. Limitations: Data presented here reflect adults without intellectual disability, and the generalisability of these results is therefore limited. Conclusions: The findings of this study argue against GABAB-ergic impairment in adults with ASD without intellectual disability, at least at the cortical regions examined. Further research investigating these mechanisms in ASD at various ages, with varying degrees of symptomatology, and at different brain sites is an important factor in understating the role of GABA in the neuropathophysiology of ASD.

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Comparing gaze related anxiety in adult subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD)

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.244 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S143-S143 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A. Jouni ◽

A. Amestoy ◽

M. Bouvard

Keyword(s):

Social Anxiety ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Eye Gaze ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Social Responsiveness ◽

Clinical Scales ◽

Social Ability ◽

The Gaze ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Adults With Asd

Social anxiety is frequently reported by individuals with ASD. If atypical eye gaze in ASD can not be fully explained by emotional models, a subgroup seems to present an active gaze avoidance associated with the report of social anxiety symptoms. The main objective of our study was to examine the gaze related anxiety in a population of adults with ASD compared with what's observed in adults with SAD. The purpose was to confirm the experience of social anxiety for some individuals with ASD and quantify its impact on gaze functioning. We included adult patients diagnosed with ASD without intellectual disability (n = 13) or SAD (n = 11) from three outpatient clinics. Patients were divided in two groups, ASD and SAD, and filled three clinical scales: Gaze Anxiety Rating Scale (GARS, Schneier et al., 2011), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS, Liebowitz et al., 1999), and Social responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2, Constantino et al., 2003). Patients with ASD presented higher scores on SRS-2 (M [SD]: 73.5 [8.9] vs 52.4 [10.4]; P < 0.001) and lower on LSAS (M [SD]: 58.6 (32.1) vs 83.8 [22.8]; P < 0.05) but no difference on GARS scores compared to people with SAD. Furthermore, a sub-group of ASD patients, presenting with more social anxiety, reported greater gaze related anxiety and avoidance than other patients with ASD (M [SD]: 57.8 (20.5) vs 19.4 [23.5]; P < 0.05). Social anxiety can be present in ASD with an impact on gaze functioning. The SRS-2 and LSAS seem to be efficient differentiating anxiety from social ability deficits and maybe useful to guide patients toward a specialised evaluation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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The Influence of Language Context on Repetitive Speech Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2019_ajslp-19-00003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 327-334 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Allison Gladfelter ◽

Cassidy VanZuiden

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Receptive Vocabulary ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

School Age Children ◽

Social Responsiveness ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Language Context

Purpose Although repetitive speech is a hallmark characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the contributing factors that influence repetitive speech use remain unknown. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if the language context impacts the amount and type of repetitive speech produced by children with ASD. Method As part of a broader word-learning study, 11 school-age children with ASD participated in two different language contexts: storytelling and play. Previously collected language samples were transcribed and coded for four types of repetitive speech: immediate echolalia, delayed echolalia, verbal stereotypy, and vocal stereotypy. The rates and proportions of repetitive speech were compared across the two language contexts using Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests. Individual characteristics were further explored using Spearman correlations. Results The children produced lower rates of repetitive speech during the storytelling context than the play-based context. Only immediate echolalia differed between the two contexts based on rate and approached significance based on proportion, with more immediate echolalia produced in the play-based context than in the storytelling context. There were no significant correlations between repetitive speech and measures of social responsiveness, expressive or receptive vocabulary, or nonverbal intelligence. Conclusions The children with ASD produced less immediate echolalia in the storytelling context than in the play-based context. Immediate echolalia use was not related to social skills, vocabulary, or nonverbal IQ scores. These findings offer valuable insights into better understanding repetitive speech use in children with ASD.

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Sensory Processing and Aggressive Behavior in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11010095 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 95

Author(s):

Frank van den Boogert ◽

Bram Sizoo ◽

Pascalle Spaan ◽

Sharon Tolstra ◽

Yvonne H. A. Bouman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Aggressive Behavior ◽

Sensory Processing ◽

Short Form ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Sensory Profile ◽

Sensory Sensitivity ◽

Aggression Questionnaire ◽

Adults With Asd

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be accompanied by aggressive behavior and is associated with sensory processing difficulties. The present study aims to investigate the direct association between sensory processing and aggressive behavior in adults with ASD. A total of 101 Dutch adult participants with ASD, treated in outpatient or inpatient facilities, completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and the Aggression Questionnaire—Short Form (AQ-SF). Results revealed that sensory processing difficulties are associated with more aggressive behavior (f2=0.25), more proactive (f2=0.19) and reactive aggression (f2=0.27), more physical (f2=0.08) and verbal aggression (f2=0.13), and more anger (f2=0.20) and hostility (f2=0.12). Evidence was found for an interaction of the neurological threshold and behavioral response on total aggression and hostility. Participants with higher scores in comparison to the norm group in sensory sensitivity had the highest risk of aggressive behavior. In conclusion, clinical practice may benefit from applying detailed diagnostics on sensory processing difficulties when treating aggressive behavior in adults with ASD.

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Modified CBT for social anxiety and social functioning in young adults with autism spectrum disorder

Molecular Autism ◽

10.1186/s13229-021-00418-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emily R. Bemmer ◽

Kelsie A. Boulton ◽

Emma E. Thomas ◽

Ben Larke ◽

Suncica Lah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Social Functioning ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Self Report ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Adolescents And Adults ◽

Adults With Asd ◽

Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background There is a strong research imperative to investigate effective treatment options for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit, tolerability and acceptability of a group cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method Ten groups of participants completed an eight-week, modified group CBT intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning, that included social skills training, exposure tasks and behavioural experiment components. Seventy-eight adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 38 (M = 22.77; SD = 5.31), were recruited from the community, Headspace centres and the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires (administered either online or through the return of hard-copy booklets), and participants were invited to provide anonymous feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention). Results Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased (p < .001), and specific subdomains of social functioning improved post-intervention, particularly in social motivation (p = .032) and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (p = .025). Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress; p < .05). All improvements demonstrated small effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program. Limitations The absence of a control group and follow-up measures, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study. Conclusions These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention appears to be a beneficial intervention for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The stand-alone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, has potential clinical utility and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

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Biopsychosocial intersections of social/affective touch and psychiatry: Implications of ‘touch hunger’ during COVID-19

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764021997485 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402199748

Author(s):

Debanjan Banerjee ◽

Velmarini Vasquez ◽

Marisin Pecchio ◽

Muralidhar L Hegde ◽

Rao Ks Jagannatha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insular Cortex ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Emotional Valence ◽

Anterior Cingulate ◽

Sexual Intimacy ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Affective Touch ◽

Social Touch ◽

Travel Restrictions ◽

Periaqueductal Grey Area

Background: Humans are neurobiologically wired for touch receptivity. Social touch is a common and mutual way of expressing affection, care, and intimacy. From an evolutionary perspective, affiliative and affectionate touch are considered necessary for social and cognitive development throughout life-stages and across species. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health threat has mandated social distancing as a measure to contain the global outbreak. Travel restrictions, lockdown, and quarantine have led to separation and segregation, giving rise to social touch deprivation that might have adverse biopsychosocial consequences. Methods: Affective touch has rarely been discussed within the purview of social psychiatry. We attempted to review the neurobiological, social, and behavioural correlates of social and sexual touch, as well as the neurophysiological models involved. Results: The unmyelinated peripheral C-fibre afferents projecting to insular cortex and somatosensory areas form the prime pathway for affective touch. ‘Top-down’ modulation via the periaqueductal grey area, rostroventral medulla and sub-cortical structures, and ‘Bottom-up’ approach via the dorsal horn of the spine form the two theoretical models of ‘social touch’ system. The mu - opioid receptor (MOR) implicated in the Brain Opioid Theory of Social Attachment (BOTSA) and social neuropeptides like oxytocin and vasopressin are the primary neurochemical substrates involved. Sexual intimacy involves other neurotransmitters, with increased oxytocin activity in the limbic structures, Nucleus Accumbens, Anterior Cingulate, and Prefrontal Cortex. The discrimination and amalgamation of touch senses, their affiliative value and emotional valence in humans are based on a complex interplay between psychobiological, environmental, and personal factors. Conclusion: The neurobehavioral and emotional effects of ‘touch hunger’ and strategies to mitigate it during COVID-19 are discussed in the context of psychoneuroimmunity and stress.

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FASTER and SCOTT&EVA trainings for adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05205-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ludger Tebartz van Elst ◽

Thomas Fangmeier ◽

Ulrich Max Schaller ◽

Oliver Hennig ◽

Meinhard Kieser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Social Communication ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Social Responsiveness ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Computer Based Training ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Computer Based

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence rate above 1%, characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction; restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; and a preference for sameness and routines. The majority of adult ASD patients suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapy options for adult ASD patients are lacking, with presently no available evidence-based interventions in Germany. Recently, two interventions to improve social responsiveness have been published. FASTER (“Freiburger Asperger-Spezifische Therapie für ERwachsene” = Freiburg Asperger-specific therapy for adults) is a manualized group psychotherapy program including three modules on psychoeducation, stress regulation management, and non-verbal and verbal social communication training with videotaped tasks. SCOTT&EVA (“Social Cognition Training Tool”, and its enhancement “Emotionen Verstehen und Ausdruecken” = understanding and expressing emotions) is a computer-based training program to enhance social cognition including video and audio material of emotional expressions and complex real-life social situations. Initial studies for both programs have shown good feasibility and efficacy. Methods Three hundred sixty adult participants with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will take part in a randomized controlled three-armed multi-center trial to prove the efficacy of manualized group psychotherapy and a manualized computer-based training program. Both interventions will be compared with a treatment as usual (TAU) group, aiming to establish evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for adult individuals with ASD. The primary outcome is evaluated by parents, spouses, or others who have sufficient insight into the respective participant’s social communication and interaction, and will be measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale. First, each of both interventions will be compared to TAU. If at least one of the differences is significant, both interventions will be compared against each other. The primary outcome will be measured at baseline (T0) and 4 months after baseline (T1). Discussion The trial is the first to validate psychiatric therapeutic and training interventions for adult ASD patients in Germany. A trial is needed because the prevalence of ASD in adulthood without intellectual disability is high, and no evidence-based intervention can be offered in Germany. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00017817. Registered on 20 April 2020.

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Implicit Semantic Processing of Linguistic and Non-linguistic Stimuli in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ◽

10.1007/s10803-020-04736-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emme O’Rourke ◽

Emily L. Coderre

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Language Processing ◽

Semantic Processing ◽

Autistic Traits ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Event Related Potential ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Priming Task ◽

Adults With Asd

AbstractWhile many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties with language processing, non-linguistic semantic processing may be intact. We examined neural responses to an implicit semantic priming task by comparing N400 responses—an event-related potential related to semantic processing—in response to semantically related or unrelated pairs of words or pictures. Adults with ASD showed larger N400 responses than typically developing adults for pictures, but no group differences occurred for words. However, we also observed complex modulations of N400 amplitude by age and by level of autistic traits. These results offer important implications for how groups are delineated and compared in autism research.

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AAA screening in adults with ASD: a retrospective cohort study

Advances in Autism ◽

10.1108/aia-10-2020-0059 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Marios Adamou ◽

Sarah Louise Jones ◽

Stephanie Wetherhill

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Clinical Setting ◽

Retrospective Cohort Study ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Specialist Service ◽

Content Type ◽

Empathy Quotient ◽

Adults With Asd ◽

Diagnostic Outcome

Purpose The Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA), comprising the Autism Questionnaire, the Empathy Quiotient and the Relatives Questionnaire is a commonly used screening tool designed to identify adults who may benefit from a further clinical assessment for autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usefulness of this screening measure in a clinical setting. Design/methodology/approach This retrospective cohort study comprised of 192 service users referred for diagnostic assessment of Autism by a specialist service of the National Health Service. The authors evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the AAA by investigating if the Autism Questionnaire, the Empathy Quiotient and the Relatives Questionnaire were able to predict the diagnostic outcome of Autism in a clinical setting. Findings Scores from the Relatives Questionnaire can accurately predict diagnostic outcome. No evidence of accuracy for the Autism Questionnaire or the Empathy Quotient was apparent. Based on the findings, the authors recommend clinicians are cautious when interpreting results of the AAA. Research limitations/implications It should be acknowledged that the results may not be generalisable to whole populations. Also, the authors used the full item versions of the scales; therefore, the findings are most applicable to studies which did similar. Originality/value This study highlights the need for investigation into the lack of validation of commonly used screening measures in autistic populations.

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