Time Perception and Timed Performance in Autism

描述（由申请人提供）： 本研究的长期目标是通过描述这些个体中间隔计时系统（ITS）的相对功能来改善自闭症的表型特征。ITS是适应性认知和行为功能的基础，有理论，轶事和经验依据假设ITS在自闭症患者中功能失调，并直接导致他们的三重障碍。只有少数研究评估了自闭症的ITS，尽管ITS的功能正在其他临床人群中进行检查（例如，ADHD、精神分裂症）。这个研究项目有三个具体目标，将填补我们对自闭症的知识空白，采用从基础实验室改编的方法（在标量期望理论的框架内）。第一个目标（R 00阶段）检查时间知觉（时间平分和概括）;第二个目标（R 00）检查时间表现（时间再现和手指敲击）;第三个目标（K99阶段）采用功能磁共振成像来阐明初步数据的神经学基础，这些数据证明了自闭症时间知觉的可量化差异（时间平分;与诊断测试分数相关）。K99/R 00研究的结果将构成R 00周期期间R 01应用的基础，该应用将建立在K99阶段奖励期间建立的理论框架基础上，并扩展对自闭症时间信息处理的评估。K99/R 00的支持将为PI提供发育认知神经学、自闭症、功能磁共振成像（均在约翰霍普金斯医学院）和间隔时间（与杜克大学的Warren Meck博士一起）方面的指导研究培训，这扩展并补充了她的研究背景。再加上正式的培训课程，包括自闭症诊断，这一培训计划将确保R 00期间提出的研究能够成功实施。K99阶段的研究将在Martha Denckla博士（主要导师）的实验室进行，他在监督研究员进入教师职位方面有着良好的记录。拟议的培训和研究计划将“桥梁”过渡到独立，并允许PI开发一个独特的和原始的自闭症研究线，将形成她的学术生涯的基础。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long term objective of this research is to improve the phenotypic characterization of autism by delineating the relative function of the interval timing system (ITS) in these individuals. The ITS is fundamental for adaptive cognitive and behavioral function, and there are theoretical, anecdotal and empirical grounds to suppose the ITS is dysfunctional in people with autism, and directly contributes to their triad of impairments. Only a handful of studies have assessed the ITS in autism, despite the fact that functioning of the ITS is being examined in other clinical populations (e.g., ADHD, schizophrenia). There are three specific aims of this research project that will fill gaps in our knowledge about autism, employing methodologies adapted from the basic laboratory (within the framework of scalar expectancy theory). The first aim (R00 phase) examines time perception (temporal bisection & generalization); the second aim (R00) examines timed performance (temporal reproduction & finger tapping); the third aim (K99 phase) employs fMRI to elucidate the neurological basis of preliminary data demonstrating quantifiable differences in time perception in autism (on temporal bisection; that correlates with scores on diagnostic tests). Results from K99/R00 studies will form the basis of an R01 application during the R00 cycle that will build upon the theoretical framework established during the K99 phase of the award and extend assessments of temporal information processing in autism. The support of a K99/R00 will provide the PI with mentored research training in developmental cognitive neurology, autism, fMRI (all at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) and interval timing (with Dr. Warren Meck at Duke University), that extends and compliments her research background. Coupled with formal training classes, including autism diagnosis, this training plan will ensure the studies proposed during R00 can be successfully implemented. Research during the K99 phase will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Martha Denckla (primary mentor) who has a proven track record of supervising fellows into faculty positions. The proposed program of training and research will 'bridge' the transition to independence, and allow the PI to develop a unique and original line of autism research that will form the basis of her academic career.