Effects of EEG examination and ABA-therapy on resting-state EEG in children with low-functioning autism.

Galina V Portnova,Oxana Ivanova,Elena V Proskurnina,

doi:10.3934/neuroscience.2020011

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed to study the effects of EEG examination and ABA-therapy on resting-state EEG in children with low-functioning autism and tactile defensiveness.MethodsWe have performed this study with three cohorts of preschoolers: children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who needed applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy due to their tactile defensiveness; children with ASD who didn't need ABA therapy; and the control group of healthy children. Number of microstates was determined in the initial and final parts of the resting-state EEGs.Results and conclusionsChildren with higher tactile defensiveness for the most part had specific EEG microstates associated with unpleasant emotions and senses. The EEG microstates of children with ASD who did not need ABA therapy, had more similarities with the EEG microstates of typically developing children except for temporary changes. Meanwhile, the children with tactile defensiveness demonstrated typical patterns of EEG microstates from start to finish of the procedure.

Highlights

The study of cognitive and mental activity in subjects with low-functioning autism is very important for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease
Objective: We aimed to study the effects of EEG examination and applied behavior analysis (ABA)-therapy on resting-state EEG in children with low-functioning autism and tactile defensiveness
The behavioral analysis showed that the control group and the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) + ABA group had less symptoms of nervous behaviors and episodes of crying and whimpering

Summary

Introduction

The study of cognitive and mental activity in subjects with low-functioning autism is very important for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. Low-functioning autists are usually unable to follow instructions, do not let anyone touch them; they may be aggressive or demonstrate unreasonable behavioral reactions that are difficult to explain [1]. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a limited ability to explore their environment regardless of the severity of their ASD. Such limitations result in other impairments which aggravate environmental communication and overall quality of life. The behavior of low-functioning autists could be described by specific symptoms including severe deficits in communication skills, aggressiveness and bizarre or self-injurious behavior that were not detected in their high-functioning peers [5]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion