Inflexible decision-making and behavior in autism spectrum disorder

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16654
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52030:Psychiatry-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: Fujino Junya 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 講師 (90783340)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉スペクトラム症 / 意思決定 / 柔軟性 / 行動経済学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research project, we investigated intergroup bias in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typical development (TD) by modifying a third-party punishment paradigm. The intergroup bias was attenuated in the ASD group compared with the TD group. We also found that empathy plays an important role in individual differences in altruistic cooperation (AC) among adults with and without ASD, although the role could be different depending on the types of AC-related behavior between TD and ASD populations. In addition, individual differences in cognitive flexibility were associated with the strength of neural activity in the right middle frontal gyrus and temporoparietal junction during the theory of mind processing. These findings deepen the understanding of altered decision-making and socioeconomic behaviors in individuals with ASD.

Free Research Field

精神医科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究課題を通して、ASDの意思決定や行動選択における柔軟性低下を多角的に検証した。共感性や注意機能、右中前頭回と側頭頭頂接合部を中心とした脳領域の重要性が支持された。本研究成果を、ASDの異種性の観点からさらに深く検証することで、同疾患群の効果的な心理社会的介入、新規治療法を検討する基盤につながることが期待される。