The effects of face expertise training on the behavioral performance and brain activity of adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorders

Susan Faja, Sara Jane Webb, Emily Jones, Kristen Merkle, Dana Kamara, Joshua Bavaro, Elizabeth Aylward, Geraldine Dawson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of expertise training with faces was studied in adults with ASD who showed initial impairment in face recognition. Participants were randomly assigned to a computerized training program involving either faces or houses. Pre- and post-testing included standardized and experimental measures of behavior and event-related brain potentials (ERPs), as well as interviews after training. After training, all participants met behavioral criteria for expertise with the specific stimuli on which they received training. Scores on standardized measures improved after training for both groups, but only the face training group showed an increased face inversion effect behaviorally and electrophysiological changes to faces in the P100 component. These findings suggest that individuals with ASD can gain expertise in face processing through training.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)278-293
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ASD
  • ERPs
  • Face processing
  • Intervention
  • N170
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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