The temporal binding deficit hypothesis of autism

Abstract

Frith has argued that people with autism show “weak central coherence,” an unusual bias toward piecemeal rather than configurational processing and a reduction in the normal tendency to process information in context. However, the precise cognitive and neurological mechanisms underlying weak central coherence are still unknown. We propose the hypothesis that the features of autism associated with weak central coherence result from a reduction in the integration of specialized local neural networks in the brain caused by a deficit in temporal binding. The visuoperceptual anomalies associated with weak central coherence may be attributed to a reduction in synchronization of high-frequency gamma activity between local networks processing local features. The failure to utilize context in language processing in autism can be explained in similar terms. Temporal binding deficits could also contribute to executive dysfunction in autism and to some of the deficits in socialization and communication.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579402002018
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Psychology
College of Health & Life Sciences > Clinical and Systems Neuroscience
College of Health & Life Sciences > Aston Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment (AIHN)
College of Health & Life Sciences
Additional Information: Copyright © 2002 Cambridge University Press
Uncontrolled Keywords: autism,weak central coherence,specialized local neural networks,deficit,temporal binding,visuoperceptual anomalies,high-frequency gamma activity,temporal binding deficits,socialization,communication,Developmental and Educational Psychology
Publication ISSN: 1469-2198
Last Modified: 29 Mar 2024 08:08
Date Deposited: 21 Sep 2010 12:25
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2002-06
Authors: Brock, Jon
Brown, Caroline C.
Boucher, Jill
Rippon, Gina (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-3574-745X)

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