Susan B. Perlman, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, will explore the neural correlates of social reciprocity, the capacity for back-and-forth social interaction that is often impaired in autism spectrum disorders. This study will measure the correlation between brain activity in two people interacting with each other. Using the imaging technique of near-infrared spectroscopy, the team will examine activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and temporo-parietal junction — brain regions associated with social reciprocity, while children with autism interact with a parent or experimenter. The amount of speech will also be analyzed as a measure of social interaction. Dr. Perlman hopes this study will introduce new measures of interaction that can be used to test the efficacy of autism treatments, and will also point toward brain-based ASD treatments.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
