Autism Spectrum Disorder and auditory sensory alterations: a systematic review on the integrity of cognitive and neuronal functions related to auditory processing

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a wide spectrum of symptoms, mainly characterized by social, communication, and cognitive impairments. Latest diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013) now include sensory issues among the four restricted/repetitive behavior features defined as “hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment”. Here, we review auditory sensory alterations in patients with ASD. Considering the updated diagnostic criteria for ASD, we examined research evidence (2015–2022) of the integrity of the cognitive function in auditory-related tasks, the integrity of the peripheral auditory system, and the integrity of the central nervous system in patients diagnosed with ASD. Taking into account the different approaches and experimental study designs, we reappraise the knowledge on auditory sensory alterations and reflect on how these might be linked with behavior symptomatology in ASD.

Design and methodology for a proof of mechanism study of individualized neuronavigated continuous Theta burst stimulation for auditory processing in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

“…However, it is unclear whether modulating concentration of these neurotransmitters may improve the pathological functional network connectivity or the behavioral phenotype. Thus, consistent with the suggestion of Gonçalves and Monteiro ( 29 ), in their recent review, the current study utilizes an experimental therapeutics approach and collects measures of E/I balance (magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) GABA and glutamate concentrations), network connectivity (resting state and language task-related fMRI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)), magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures of auditory processing to attempt to develop a nomological network linking measures of E/I balance to measures of brain network connectivity and functioning to behavior.…”

“…Early descriptions by Kanner ( 28 ) highlight aspects of language and language processing as core symptoms of the disorder. Though the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria does not explicitly list auditory or language processing as a core symptom, alterations in perceptual processing, specifically in the auditory domain have been established across multiple levels of analysis and have been related to not only the social and communication symptoms of ASD, but also the restricted and repetitive behavior domain ( 29 ) though the directionality of this relationship is still up for debate ( 30 ).…”

From synaptic dysfunction to atypical emotional processing in autism

“…Similar to the visual system, individuals with ASD also seem to display disruptions in auditory processing, without having hearing deficits [99]. Sound is a fundamental sensory cue to provide critical information regarding potential threats.…”

Incidence of Otolaryngological Manifestations in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Special Focus on Auditory Disorders

“…They analyzed questionnaires, imaging, and behavioral and electrophysiologic studies to gain insight on this topic. ABR studies showed that a portion of the cohort had longer latency, although this was not consistent across all stages of development, and EEGs showed unstable neural tracking in subcortical auditory processing [ 54 ]. They showed that those with ASD had an improved auditory perceptual capacity in conjunction with a reduced auditory discrimination and detection [ 54 ].…”

“…ABR studies showed that a portion of the cohort had longer latency, although this was not consistent across all stages of development, and EEGs showed unstable neural tracking in subcortical auditory processing [ 54 ]. They showed that those with ASD had an improved auditory perceptual capacity in conjunction with a reduced auditory discrimination and detection [ 54 ]. The deficits that were seen seemed to be correlated with the severity of language impairment as well as social impairment.…”