Identifying Neurobiological Markers of the Broader Autism Phenotype

Abstract

Abstract : Our project was designed to identify more precise and objective, performance-based measures of the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP). In particular, we focused on the social communication difficulties commonly experienced by people with the BAP using sophisticated techniques that we developed to capture the acoustic properties of speech important for emotional expression. We have investigated this issue in detail in individuals with and without the BAP using a range of tasks measuring skills important in emotional and social interactions. This project also maps the brain systems that underpin social communication in the BAP by using state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques that measure brain structure and function. Our study design included linking these behavioral and brain findings to gain a more complete understanding of the BAP. To achieve the study aims, we developed a novel neuroimaging protocol to measure the brain systems that underpin social communication in the BAP, as well as an interactive, web-based computer program designed for efficient collection of behavioral data, including capture of the acoustic properties of speech important for emotional expression. Using these new protocols (Experiments 1 & 2), we have successfully collected data for project participants, the methodology and results of which are presented in this report. Final data analyses for Experiments 1 and 2 are currently underway, with published outcomes expected within the next 12 months. Of particular note, our functional neuroimaging data shows associations between vocal emotion processing and neuronal activation within the mirror neuron and limbic systems, in accordance with our research hypotheses. These findings have important implications for understanding social communication difficulties in the BAP.