The primary objectives of the study are1) to determine whether sound localisation is impaired in autistic subjects and 2) to detect abnormalities in auditory sensory processing, and sound localisation in particular, at the neurobiological level in…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Communication disorders and disturbances
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
1) Sound localisation performance data of autistic subjects
2) Structural MRI and fMRI data obtained during the sound localisation task in
the MRI scanner.
Secondary outcome
1) Finding indications for a specific neurobiological theory of autism
2) Testing the existing functional model of sound localisation in the auditory
system
Background summary
The neurological basis for autism is poorly understood. Reports on deficits in
low-level sensory processing in subjects with autism as well as recent
neuroimaging findings suggest a key role played by abnormalities in
connectivity in the brain. The auditory system is relatively well-understood
and consists of separate pathways that are involved in different aspects of
sound localisation, making it an attractive target for investigating the role
played by connectivity.
Study objective
The primary objectives of the study are
1) to determine whether sound localisation is impaired in autistic subjects and
2) to detect abnormalities in auditory sensory processing, and sound
localisation in particular, at the neurobiological level in structural and
functional MRI studies.
Study design
This study has a case-controlled cross-sectional design and consists of two
experiments. In the first, the subjects' spatial auditory abilities will be
comprehensively assessed. To this end, subjects will be seated in a dark,
sound-attenuated room and instructed to point to various target auditory
stimuli embedded in complex sound environments.
In the second experiment, simulated localised sounds will be presented over a
headphone while the subject lies in the MRI scanner. The subject will be
instructed to indicate the left-right position of the stimulus by pressing one
of an array of buttons. While the subject performs the task, fMRI data will be
collected. In addition to these functional data, resting state fMRI, and DTI
data will be collected to study functional and structural connectivity.
In both experiments, the data obtained from the autistic subject population
will be compared to the control group.
Study burden and risks
The proposed study does not include any invasive measures. The first experiment
will consist of psychoacoustic measurements, for which no risks or side-effects
are to be expected. In the second experiment, participants will undergo a one
hour scanning session in the MRI scanner. This session is divided in two
sessions of 30 minutes separated by a 15-minute break. The F.C. Donders Centre
has a lot of experience with the type of research we are proposing in this
protocol and there are no special risks associated with this kind of research.
There will be no therapeutic benefit for the participants.
Postbus 9101
6500HB Nijmegen
NL
Postbus 9101
6500HB Nijmegen
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- IQ above 85
- Right-handed
- Patients should meet DSM-IV criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome
Exclusion criteria
- Sensory impairments
- Neurological impairments such as seizure disorder
- Experienced any neurological trauma
- Used antipsychotics
- Severe (psychiatric) comorbidity
- Metal objects in their body.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL23644.091.08 |