Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
autism, autistic, sensory, MEG, connectivity, brain, MRI, language, developmental, neurodevelopmental, aspergers, asperger's, coherence
Brief summary
Study the neural substrates of autism spectrum disorders using neuroimaging methods such as MEG/EEG/MRI.
Detailed description
(NOTE: we are currently recruiting individuals between the ages of 14 and 32, either typically developing or with an autism spectrum disorder.) To study how sensory information is processed by the brain, we primarily use an instrument called MEG (MagnetoEncephaloGraphy), which measures the magnetic brainwaves emitted by our brains. The device does not have any output (i.e., there is no magnetic field); it only measures the waves produced in the brain. We measure those waves as the participants in the study listen to, view, or otherwise experience simple, non painful, stimuli. For instance, participants may listen to words while sitting in the MEG room, and watching a movie with the sound turned off. We then combine this information with pictures of the brain from MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - when available), to get an idea about both the anatomy and the function of the brain, so that we can study how the brains of populations with autism spectrum disorders or language disorders may be different from those of typically developing populations.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Massachusetts General Hospital
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
OTHER
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
14 Years to 32 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* All of the following criteria must be met by all participants: * The participant or the participant's legal guardian is able to understand and is willing to comply with the requirements of the study * The participant meets the age requirements (14-32 years old) * The participant or legal guardian has signed an Informed Consent Form specific to this study, and is able to understand the consent form. * The participant must have English as their first language. * The participant must have a non-verbal IQ \> 70 * For the ASD/language disorder group only: * Autism Spectrum Disorder: Participants must meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder on the ADOS.
Exclusion criteria
* The following
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Saliency of Sensory Stimuli in Developmental Disorders | up to 2 years |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORTal Kenet, Ph.D
Massachusetts General Hospital
Outcome results
None listed