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Interoception in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A review
Author(s) -
DuBois Denise,
Ameis Stephanie H.,
Lai MengChuan,
Casanova Manuel F.,
Desarkar Pushpal
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.05.001
Subject(s) - interoception , psychology , autism spectrum disorder , autism , sensory processing , cognition , cognitive psychology , sensory system , sensation , neuroimaging , abnormality , neuroscience , developmental psychology , perception , psychiatry
Purpose This review article summarizes original scientific research published to date on interoception in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sensory processing has been shown to be atypical in ASD, yet physiological processing and subjective experience of internal sensation processing, namely interoception, has not been reported sufficiently in research or clinical settings. Background There is a small but growing body of scientific research on interoception in ASD, which is relevant to understanding the behavioral and cognitive characteristics inherent in this condition, and may provide a foundation for clinical interventions such as biofeedback, pain management, and brain stimulation techniques. Methods A literature review of original research was performed using major scientific databases. Results Interoception, which occurs due to multisensory connections and integration of internal afferents in cortical and subcortical areas, is atypical in ASD, but the degree and directionality of this abnormality is not yet clear due to the heterogeneity of the condition. Between‐group interoceptive differences in individuals with and without ASD have been repeatedly demonstrated, with a slight tendency towards hyporeactivity in interoceptive awareness in individuals with ASD. Significance Multidimensional research combining neuroimaging with psychophysiological and self‐report measures guided by a clear theoretical model is necessary to understand how interoceptive differences link to the behavioral and cognitive characteristics of ASD. Sensory processing models and autism theory should also be updated to incorporate these recent findings.