Improving Specification of Clinical Phenotypes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

To improve specification and parse the heterogeneity of ASD, we examine dispositional factors that predict social functioning and the effects of altered neural plasticity in real-world social outcomes. Capturing individual differences based on dispositional factors like communication patterns helps yield unique profiles of autistic individuals, which in turn is useful to predict outcomes and to consider appropriate interventions. 

We also examine other factors that relate to social development, elucidating potential predictors and moderators to more precisely estimate the impact of these factors on social functioning. These studies highlight the importance of considering differences in multiple phenotypic factors that contribute to social functioning concurrently rather than in isolation.

Neural Mechanisms of Clinical Phenotypes in ASD

The difference in how individuals react to their social environment plays a key role in abnormal development of neural circuitry, thus giving rise to phenotypic heterogeneity in ASD. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how neural signatures relate to behavior and development. Our lab’s early formative research examined the role of sensory experience in typical and atypical neural development and plasticity. This work in basic neuroscience suggested that critical periods of brain development are not as discrete or finite as they were thought to be, and plasticity can emerge in unexpected ways at unexpected times. 

We use EEG methods to study development in ASD, and atypical neural responses to social information may in fact be heightened based on experience and development. We also use EEG to better characterize the role of neural plasticity in typical and atypical social brain development, and consider age-related developmental differences in these patterns, as well as understanding links between various aspects of social functioning. 

 Refinement of Interventions Informed by Clinical and Neural Insights

Capitalizing on findings from aforementioned research, we study interventions as a direct way to test plasticity in the brain to inform development and refinement of novel interventions to improve social functioning appropriate for individual characteristics. For example, we have been investigating group social skills interventions (GSSIs) for ASD, which is among the most widely-used approaches for addressing social challenges in autistic individuals.

As we begin to learn more about intervention approaches that can affect social functioning, we have been working on gaining more precise insights into mechanisms of change. This line of work has important implications for identifying which types of methods may work for whom and when. 

One of our lab’s current areas of focus is using neural metrics as outcome measures and predictors of interventions. These neural metrics can predict differentially which participants got better or worse following GSSI, which has implications for plasticity. Also, we examine neural indices of capacity to change in response to interventions, as altered pattern of plasticity may represent increased possibility for recovery or later development of impaired functioning through appropriate interventions.