The neurodevelopmental basis of human action sound processing in typically developing children, children with autism spectrum disorders, and toddlers at risk for autism

Stefanidou, Chrysi (2014). The neurodevelopmental basis of human action sound processing in typically developing children, children with autism spectrum disorders, and toddlers at risk for autism. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The work presented in the current thesis explored the nature, time-course, and neurodevelopmental trajectory of the brain mechanisms underlying the perceptual processing of auditory social versus non-social stimuli in typically developing young children, toddlers and young children with autism spectrum disorders, and toddlers who are at risk of developing autism. This was completed through the use of a novel auditory-auditory repetition suppression event-related potentials (ERP) paradigm, which included sounds produced by human actions and non-human/environmental sounds. Standardised behavioural measures were also used for the matching of the groups on language ability, the behavioural characterisation of children on the autism spectrum, and the investigation of the relationship between brain activity and cognitive and social communication skills. The results revealed developmental changes in auditory social processing across two typically developing age groups, as well as atypicalities in both social and non-social processing mechanisms in children with autism spectrum disorders and toddlers at high-risk of developing autism. Together, these findings make a notable contribution to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying typical and atypical development of auditory social information processing.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):