Temporal voice areas exist in autism spectrum disorder but are dysfunctional for voice identity recognition.

ABSTRACT: The ability to recognise the identity of others is a key requirement for successful communication. Brain regions that respond selectively to voices exist in humans from early infancy on. Currently, it is unclear whether dysfunction of these voice-sensitive regions can explain voice identity recognition impairments. Here, we used two independent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies to investigate voice processing in a population that has been reported to have no voice-sensitive regions: autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our results refute the earlier report that individuals with ASD have no responses in voice-sensitive regions: Passive listening to vocal, compared to non-vocal, sounds elicited typical responses in voice-sensitive regions in the high-functioning ASD group and controls

SUBMITTER: Schelinski S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5091681 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature