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.

• 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