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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.03.26.485953

Right Anterior Theta Connectivity Predicts Autistic Social Traits in Neurotypical Children

Hill, A. T.·Van Der Elst, J.·Bigelow, F.·Lum, J.·Enticott, P.
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Abstract

Growing evidence supports functional network alterations in autism spectrum disorder, however much less is known about the neural mechanisms underlying autistic traits in typically developing children. Using resting-state electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, we examined whether functional connectivity could predict autistic trait expression in 127 children aged between 4-12 years. Regression models showed that right anterior theta connectivity was a significant predictor of autistic traits (p = 0.013), with increased connectivity in this region associated with greater autistic trait expression. These results corroborate similar recent findings in adults, extending this observation to a cohort of children spanning early-to-middle childhood. These findings further highlight EEG-derived functional connectivity as a sensitive physiological correlate of autistic trait expression in neurotypical children.

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Hill, A. T., Van Der Elst, J., Bigelow, F., Lum, J., Enticott, P.. 2022-03-30. Right Anterior Theta Connectivity Predicts Autistic Social Traits in Neurotypical Children. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.26.485953

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