Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Neuroscience

First Advisor

Hirsch, Joy

Abstract

Atypical variations in social cognitive processing of gaze are symptomatic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may indicate aberrant joint attention mechanisms. Despite this well-known phenomenon, neural processing of gaze in ASD in real-life social interactions remains limited. This knowledge gap may be due to the limitations of conventional neuroimaging methods that require participants to be still in a confined space with significant environmental noise, potentially eliciting anxiety and discomfort. As a result, individuals from clinical populations whose sensory needs, anxiety, or difficulties in comprehending the need to remain motionless, are less able to participate in MRI studies. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) permits neuroimaging data collection in an unrestricted environment, allowing the assessment of neural responses in a broader range of clinical participants. Using electroencephalography (EEG; Electrical Geodesics Inc), we first investigate whether manipulation of visual attention to certain areas of the face modulates early low-level face processing in autistic children and adolescents. Second, we examine whether neural mechanisms specific to live gaze are modulated by visual sensing mechanisms using whole head functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS; Shimadzu LABNIRS) and eye-tracking (Tobii Pro X3-120). The main findings of these two experiments suggest that atypical neural responses to eye gaze are not directly caused by atypical patterns of visual engagement, but rather by how incoming visual information is neurally encoded. Finally, we conclude this thesis by offering ways to improve inclusivity in social neuroscience research practices to facilitate accurate brain mapping and enhance the extent to which discoveries can be generalized.

Download

Share

COinS