Presentation Title
Theta Wave Coherence in Pre-Semantic Processing: An EEG study of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Abstract
Semantic and language deficits are a very pertinent and characteristic feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in higher-level functions like semantic processing. Compared to the typically developing (TD) population, people with ASD have shown significant differences in neural semantic processing activity after the presentation of a stimulus. However, lower-level functions like word decoding are typically intact, suggesting a disconnect between these two functions in the brain. Theta coherence waves have been linked to the presence of such lower-level, pre-semantic activity in the TD population. The present study will use electroencephalography (EEG) to measure the presence of theta coherence waves and examine pre-semantic neural connectivity of participants with ASD to determine whether early disruptions might contribute to semantic misunderstandings. Gaining a better understanding of neural communication during pre-semantic processing would further the current understanding of language impairments in ASD and could also lead to more targeted and effective therapies.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Emily Coderre
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Neuroscience
Primary Research Category
Biological Sciences
Secondary Research Category
Health Sciences
Theta Wave Coherence in Pre-Semantic Processing: An EEG study of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Semantic and language deficits are a very pertinent and characteristic feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in higher-level functions like semantic processing. Compared to the typically developing (TD) population, people with ASD have shown significant differences in neural semantic processing activity after the presentation of a stimulus. However, lower-level functions like word decoding are typically intact, suggesting a disconnect between these two functions in the brain. Theta coherence waves have been linked to the presence of such lower-level, pre-semantic activity in the TD population. The present study will use electroencephalography (EEG) to measure the presence of theta coherence waves and examine pre-semantic neural connectivity of participants with ASD to determine whether early disruptions might contribute to semantic misunderstandings. Gaining a better understanding of neural communication during pre-semantic processing would further the current understanding of language impairments in ASD and could also lead to more targeted and effective therapies.