title: Electrophysiological Evidence of Atypical Spatial Attention in Those with a High Level of Self-reported Autistic Traits.
abstract: Selective attention is atypical in individuals with autism spectrum conditions. Evidence suggests this is also the case for those with high levels of autistic traits. Here we investigated the neural basis of spatial attention in those with high and low levels of self-reported autistic traits via analysis of ERP deflections associated with covert attention, target selection and distractor suppression (the N2pc, NT and PD). Larger N2pc and smaller PD amplitude was observed in those with high levels of autistic traits. These data provide neural evidence for differences in spatial attention, specifically, reduced distractor suppression in those with high levels of autistic traits, and may provide insight into the experience of perceptual overload often reported by individuals on the autism spectrum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK.
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Freeth
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK. e.milne@sheffield.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Milne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D057566:Self Report; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autistic traits; ERP; N2pc; Selective attention; Spatial attention