Mechanisms of Tactile Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Current Understanding and Future Directions for Research

Overview

Journal Curr Psychiatry Rep

Publisher Current Science

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2019 Dec 7

PMID 31807945

Citations 20

Authors

Melanie D Schaffler

Leah J Middleton

Ishmail Abdus-Saboor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to summarize the current body of behavioral, physiological, and molecular knowledge concerning tactile sensitivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on recent studies utilizing rodent models.

Recent Findings: Mice with mutations in the ASD-related genes, Shank3, Fmr1, UBE3A, and Mecp2, display tactile abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities appear to be caused by mutation-related changes in the PNS, as opposed to changes in the processing of touch stimuli in the CNS, as previously thought. There is also growing evidence suggesting that peripheral mechanisms may contribute to some of the core symptoms and common comorbidities of ASD. Researchers are therefore beginning to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the PNS in treating some of the core symptoms of ASD. Sensory abnormalities are common in rodent models of ASD. There is growing evidence that sensory hypersensitivity, especially tactile sensitivity, may contribute to social deficits and other autism-related behaviors.

Citing Articles

Research Progress on Neural Processing of Hand and Forearm Tactile Sensation: A Review Based on fMRI Research.

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Syngap1 promotes cognitive function through regulation of cortical sensorimotor dynamics.

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Wada M, Hayashi K, Seino K, Ishii N, Nawa T, Nishimaki K Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2025; 2():1177075.

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Degraded tactile coding in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism.

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