Eyeblink conditioning: a non-invasive biomarker for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Eyeblink conditioning (EBC) is a classical conditioning paradigm typically used to study the underlying neural processes of learning and memory. EBC has a well-defined neural circuitry, is non-invasive, and can be employed in human infants shortly after birth making it an ideal tool to use in both developing and special populations. In addition, abnormalities in the cerebellum, a region of the brain highly involved in EBC, have been implicated in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In the current paper, we review studies that have employed EBC as a biomarker for several neurodevelopmental disorders including fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, specific language impairment, and schizophrenia. In addition, we discuss the benefits of using such a tool in individuals with ASD.
Department of Psychology, DM 256, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA, besuther@fiu.edu.
Bethany C
BC
Reeb-Sutherland
Nathan A
NA
Fox
D015415:Biomarkers; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003215:Conditioning, Eyelid / Q000502:physiology*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology
D015415:Biomarkers