Behavioral and Physiological Responses to Name Call in Young Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Evidence demonstrates that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a diminished behavioral (head turn) response to name call, but no research indicates whether children with ASD respond physiologically (heart rate) to name call. If a child does not respond to his/her name, the child may miss opportunities for social interaction and learning experiences. Objectives: Determine whether children with ASD present a 1) behavioral and/or 2) physiological response to a name call when compared with language age (LA) and chronological age (CA) matched typically developing (TD) peers. Methods: The current study was a secondary data analysis from a larger grant about language outcomes in 23 boys with ASD (MCA=34.8 m, range 28 to 42 m) and 29 TD boys (MCA= 22.9 m, range 7-42 m) matched for LA (n=15) or CA (n=14). ASD diagnosis was confirmed with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Language age was determined by the Preschool Language Scale-Fourth Edition (PLS-4). All participants were given the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, to determine developmental levels in the areas of visual reception, expressive and receptive language, and fine motor skills. In an experimental session, each child watched three minutes of a nonsocial music video while surface electrodes on their chests measured heart rate data. During the third minute, one examiner called the child's name while another examiner activated a switch to insert electronic markers into the heart rate data file. These markers were used to synchronize the name call with the heart rate data. The child's name was presented every 15 seconds for up to one minute (up to 5 trials) until a clear behavioral response, a turn of the head toward the examiner, was observed. Right/left presentation was counterbalanced across children. Videos of the session were coded for head turn response across all trials. Results: Behavioral data indicate 7/23 (30%) children with ASD, 12/13 (92%) of CA children, and 13/15 (87%) of LA children responded with a head turn on the first name call. 5/23 children in ASD group did not respond to name call during any of the 5 trials. All children in TD groups responded to name call. Average number of trials until head turn behavior was 1.27 for LA group, 1.23 for CA group, and 2.17 for 18 responders in ASD group. Analyses of heart rate data are in process. Conclusions: Findings support the literature suggesting children with ASD have a reduced behavioral response to name call. The heart rate data will provide insight into whether children with ASD have a typical physiological response to name call in the absence of a behavioral response.