Face processing in a case of high functioning autism with developmental prosopagnosia.

Face processing in a case of high functioning autism with developmental prosopagnosia.
Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2018;78(2):114-131
Authors: Cygan HB, Okuniewska H, Jednoróg K, Marchewka A, Wypych M, Nowicka A
Abstract
The ability to "read" the information about facial identity, expressed emotions, and intentions is crucial for non‑verbal social interaction. Neuroimaging and clinical studies consequently link face perception with fusiform gyrus (FG) and occipital face area (OFA) activity. Here we investigated face processing in an adult, patient PK, diagnosed with both high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental prosopagnosia (DP). Both disorders have a significant impact on face perception and recognition, thus creating a unique neurodevelopmental condition. We used eye‑tracking and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) method. Eye‑tracking and fMRI results of PK were compared to results of control subjects. Patient PK showed atypical gaze‑fixation strategy during face perception and typical patterns of brain activations in the FG and OFA. However, a significant difference between PK and control subjects was found in the left anterior superior temporal sulcus/middle temporal gyrus (aSTS/MTG). In PK the left aSTS/MTG was hypo‑activated in comparison to the control subjects. Additionally, functional connectivity analysis revealed decreased inter‑hemispheric connectivity between right and left...

Source: Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis - July 20, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Cygan HB, Okuniewska H, Jednoróg K, Marchewka A, Wypych M, Nowicka A Tags: Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) Source Type: research