Is autonomic function during resting-state atypical in Autism: A systematic review of evidence

Arora, Iti; Bellato, Alessio; Ropar, Danielle; Hollis, Chris; Groom, Madeleine

Abstract

Background: Theories of differences in resting-state arousal in autistic individuals are influential. Differences in arousal during resting-state would impact engagement and adaptation to the environment, having a cascading effect on development of attentional and social skills. Objectives: We systematically evaluated the evidence for differences in measures of autonomic arousal (heart rate, pupillometry or electrodermal activity) during resting-state in autistic individuals; to understand whether certain contextual or methodological factors impact reports of such differences. Data sources: We searched PsycInfo, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for papers published until 16th May 2019. Of 1207 titles initially identified, 60 met inclusion criteria. Results and Conclusions: Of the 51 studies that investigated group differences between neurotypical and autistic participants, 60.8 % found evidence of group differences. While findings of hyperarousal were more common, particularly using indices of parasympathetic function, findings of hypo-arousal and autonomic dysregulation were also consistently present. Importantly, experimental context played a role in revealing such differences. The evidence is discussed with regard to important methodological factors and implications for future research are described.

Citation

Arora, I., Bellato, A., Ropar, D., Hollis, C., & Groom, M. (2021). Is autonomic function during resting-state atypical in Autism: A systematic review of evidence. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 125, 417-441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.041

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Feb 23, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 1, 2021
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 2, 2022
• Journal: Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
• Print ISSN: 0149-7634
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-7528
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 125
• Pages: 417-441
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.041
• Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autonomic Arousal, Resting State, Heart Rate Variability, Electrodermal Activity, Pupillometry
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4336620
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763421001019