Neurophysiological and practical study of prefrontal function in autism spectrum disorders.

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24531261
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Special needs education
• Research Institution: Bunkyo University
• Principal Investigator: NARITA Naoko 文教大学, 教育学部, 教授 (40306189)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉症スペクトラム / 前頭葉 / default mode network / 特別支援

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have shown experimental and practical evidence of executive dysfunction
in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As experimental, we measured oxy-Hb concentration change using Near-infrared spectroscopy during default mode network and baseline in typical developed and ASD. Preliminary, ASD subjects showed delayed response of oxy-Hb concentration in response to DMN-baseline switch. Practical, we have applied continuous activation of prefrontal function to students in the special needs class of an elementary school. After 6 months trial, students showed increased performance rate in various task applied.We conclude that ASD subjects might be trained if effective prefrontal training task will be applied.

Free Research Field

発達脳科学・小児科