Abnormal cortical voice processing in autism

Nat Neurosci. 2004 Aug;7(8):801-2. doi: 10.1038/nn1291. Epub 2004 Jul 18.

Abstract

Impairments in social interaction are a key feature of autism and are associated with atypical social information processing. Here we report functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results showing that individuals with autism failed to activate superior temporal sulcus (STS) voice-selective regions in response to vocal sounds, whereas they showed a normal activation pattern in response to nonvocal sounds. These findings suggest abnormal cortical processing of socially relevant auditory information in autism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Auditory Cortex / diagnostic imaging
  • Auditory Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Auditory Perception / physiology*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnostic imaging
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Radiography