Brain mechanisms of atypical attention in autism and the broader autistic phenotype

The perceptual saliency of distracting non-target information presents a major challenge for attention selection processes, which are required to bias selection away from distracting, non-target items. Consequently, when atypicality in these processes is present it can have an overarching effect on human behaviour from basic cognitive functions to mental health. Previous research in autism and the broader spectrum of autistic traits in neurotypical participants provides extensive evidence for attention atypicality (sometimes from as early as the first year of life). Our previous research (e.g., Abu-akel et al., 2018, Spaniol et al., 2020) further points to a specific (but nuanced) attention profile in autism along the static/dynamic attention control continuum. These attention tendencies not only fit with the pattern of behaviour we documented previously (e.g., in the attention tasks we test) but may also be associated with more complex behaviours linked to autism. Specifically, it is possible that the attention profile utilised in an individual could provide the cognitive drive behind certain forms of anxiety.

This possible modulation of the attention system may be linked to previously observed neuronal signatures of autism. For instance, studies have identified the DMN (and the Precuneus specifically) as a network which is hypo-activated and under-connected in autism (show reduced within network connectivity during resting state). Similarly, the TPJ (which is strongly associated with attention shifting and dynamic reactive control) has also been argued to show reduced volatility in autism, especially in respect to the link between dynamic attention control and theory of mind (e.g., Bravo Balsa et al., 2024).

The proposed research will apply converging operations including, individual differences, computational modelling, brain stimulation and fMRI recordings as well as their combination in the same study (e.g., Mevorach et al., 2010) to provide a functional brain mechanistic framework for understanding attention atypicality in autism and the broader autistic phenotype (in neurotypical participants). This work may also pave the way for future intervention targets in autism both from a behaviour and neuroscience perspectives.

Funding notes:

This is an advertised project through the BBSRC MIBTP program (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/phd/), which is a 4-year PhD studentship.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to get in touch ([email protected]) with a copy of their CV, and to have an informal discussion before submitting an application.

References:

Abu-Akel, A., Apperly, I., Sapniol, M.M., Geng, J.J., & Mevorach, C. (2018). Diametric effects of autism tendencies and psychosis proneness on attention control irrespective of task demands. Scientific Reports, 8, Article Number 8478

Bravo Balsa, L., Abu-Akel, A., & Mevorach, C. (2024). Dynamic functional connectivity in the right temporoparietal junction captures variations in male autistic trait expression. Autism Research, 17(4), 702-715.

Spaniol, M., Shalev, L., & Mevorach, C. (2018). Reduced distractor interference in neurotypical adults with high expression of autistic traits irrespective of stimulus type. Autism Research, 11(10), 1345-1355.

Mevorach, C., Hodsoll, J., Allen H. A., Shalev, L., Humphreys, G. W. (2010). Ignoring the Elephant in the Room: A Neural Circuit to Down-regulate Salience. Journal of Neuroscience, 30, 6072-6079