My research poster at IMRF Conference 2024, Reno, NV
Weak Central Coherence Theory
PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader
Caveat: There is no single theory that can fully explain autism.
Weak Central Coherence Theory
Definition: The Weak Central Coherence Theory suggests that autistics tend to focus more on details rather than the overall picture. This affects how they see and understand the world around them.
The Weak Central Coherence Theory tries to explain why autistics often excel at noticing details but might struggle with seeing the bigger picture. This unique way of thinking brings both strengths and challenges, affecting everyday tasks, social interactions, and work or hobbies.
Key Concepts
Detail-Focused Thinking:
- What It Means: Autistics are often really good at noticing small details that others might miss.
- Why It Happens: Their brains are wired in a way that makes them pay extra attention to these details.
Difficulty Seeing the Big Picture:
- What It Means: It can be harder for autistics to combine these details into a complete, overall understanding of a situation.
- Why It Happens: The connections in their brains might not work as smoothly to bring all the details together into one big picture.
Examples and Implications
Everyday Tasks:
- Strengths: They might be great at tasks that need attention to detail, like solving puzzles or spotting differences in pictures.
- Challenges: They might find it harder to understand tasks that need seeing the whole picture, like following a story with lots of characters and events.
Social Situations:
- Challenges: In social settings, understanding body language or implied meanings in conversations can be tough because these require seeing the whole context, not just individual parts.
Work and Hobbies:
- Strengths: Jobs or hobbies that require careful attention to detail, like coding or building models, can be areas where they excel.
- Challenges: Roles that need quick understanding of complex, big-picture concepts might be more difficult.
Two Versions of this post
Intersectional Lived Experiences
I'm grateful for opportunities to listen to diverse and intersectional lived experiences from Autistic leaders. Dennis Tran and Hari Srinivasan - thank you for your advocacy and service to the Autism Society of America! TheConnectionIsYou!
Uncertainty and Autism - A Quantum Perspective
The uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, introduced by Werner Heisenberg in 1927, teaches us that we cannot simultaneously know both the exact position and momentum of a particle. This concept revolutionized our understanding of the physical world, highlighting the inherent unpredictability in nature. Interestingly, it also offers a useful metaphor for understanding autism.
Complexity and Variability: Embracing the Uncertainty
Autism, like the quantum world, is complex and resists rigid categorization. Autistics experience and interact with the world in diverse ways, challenging traditional views. Understanding autism requires recognizing both strengths and challenges, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual while remaining aware of the real difficulties they may face.Probabilistic Understanding: Flexibility in Approach
The uncertainty principle leads to a probabilistic approach in quantum mechanics, and similarly, supporting autistic individuals effectively requires flexibility. This means balancing strengths-based opportunities that highlight unique abilities with challenges-based solutions that address difficulties like communication barriers or sensory sensitivities or underlying medical issues. Acknowledging this diversity fosters better understanding and support.
Challenging Classical Conceptions: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Autism
Just as the uncertainty principle challenged classical physics, a more inclusive understanding of autism challenges traditional perspectives. Embracing the full spectrum of autism means valuing all individuals, including those who require significant support, and recognizing that their experiences contribute to the richness of our shared human experience. It also involves assuming capability, even when it might not be immediately apparent, and respecting each person’s potential. However, it also means being realistic about the challenges these individuals face and working to provide the necessary support to help them thrive through challenges-based solutions.Technological and Methodological Advances: Innovation Inspired by Autism
The uncertainty principle spurred technological breakthroughs, and similarly, a balanced understanding of autism can inspire innovations in support strategies. These advancements should harness strengths-based opportunities while also addressing challenges to ensure all autistics have the tools they need to thrive.
Broader Implications for Reality: Rethinking Normalcy
The uncertainty principle reshaped our understanding of reality, and embracing the full spectrum of autism challenges assumptions about what is "normal." By addressing challenges with challenges-based solutions and valuing contributions through strengths-based opportunities, we can build a more inclusive and understanding society.
The PV Hypothesis of Autism
The Parvalbumin (PV) hypothesis of autism suggests that dysfunction in PV-expressing interneurons leads to an imbalance in excitation and inhibition, contributing to core features of autism such as sensory hypersensitivity and seizures. [Read in more detail For the Science/Academic Reader]
Layspeak: The PV hypothesis of autism proposes that problems with specific brain cells called PV neurons cause an imbalance in brain signals, leading to common autism traits like sensitivity to sensory inputs and a higher chance of seizures. [Read in more Detail PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader]
Read in More Detail
For the Science/Academic Reader
Disability Rights
A quote from my chapter in the anthology below
Anthology available at: https://www.peasepress.com/product-page/essential-truths-the-bay-area-in-color
NISE Fellow on AANHPI Autism Panel
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Appears on AMBIV Collective Panel.
Last Wednesday, 29th May, NISE Fellow and self-advocate Hari Srinivasan appeared on an AMBIV panel entitled AANHPI Autism Self-Advocacy Panel.The recording of the webinar is at this link, or watch below.
The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their inspiring journeys and self-advocacy experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to discover how these incredible individuals navigated the intersections of their cultural heritage and autism and how they used their voices to drive change and foster understanding. The conversation provided an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the strength of their resilience.
The AMBIV collective is dedicated to redefining inclusion. They are actively empowering disability and neurodivergent communities, fostering community connections, and building solutions rooted in diverse needs and aspirations. Their vision is to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem that embraces diversity, innovation, and shared knowledge, offering hope for a more inclusive future.
The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their inspiring journeys and self-advocacy experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to discover how these incredible individuals navigated the intersections of their cultural heritage and autism and how they used their voices to drive change and foster understanding. The conversation provided an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the strength of their resilience.
The AMBIV collective is dedicated to redefining inclusion. They are actively empowering disability and neurodivergent communities, fostering community connections, and building solutions rooted in diverse needs and aspirations. Their vision is to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem that embraces diversity, innovation, and shared knowledge, offering hope for a more inclusive future.
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29th May, NISE Fellow and self-advocate Hari Srinivasan appeared on an AMBIV panel entitled AANHPI Autism Self-Advocacy Panel. The recording of the webinar is at this link: https://ow.ly/qoSQ50S86jg
The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their inspiring journeys and self-advocacy experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to discover how these incredible individuals navigated the intersections of their cultural heritage and autism and how they used their voices to drive change and foster understanding. The conversation provided an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the strength of their resilience.
The AMBIV collective is dedicated to redefining inclusion. They are actively empowering disability and neurodivergent communities, fostering community connections, and building solutions rooted in diverse needs and aspirations. Their vision is to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem that embraces diversity, innovation, and shared knowledge, offering hope for a more inclusive future.
#Neurodiversity #AANHPI #Autism #ASD #SelfAdvocate #Panel #Webinar #AMBIV #AMBIVCollective
The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their inspiring journeys and self-advocacy experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to discover how these incredible individuals navigated the intersections of their cultural heritage and autism and how they used their voices to drive change and foster understanding. The conversation provided an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the strength of their resilience.
The AMBIV collective is dedicated to redefining inclusion. They are actively empowering disability and neurodivergent communities, fostering community connections, and building solutions rooted in diverse needs and aspirations. Their vision is to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem that embraces diversity, innovation, and shared knowledge, offering hope for a more inclusive future.
#Neurodiversity #AANHPI #Autism #ASD #SelfAdvocate #Panel #Webinar #AMBIV #AMBIVCollective
Recording at https://ambivco.com/#aanhpi-autism-selfadvocacy
@JennyMaiPhanPhD is moderating the #AANHPI panel of neurodivergent self-advocates.
@HariSri108
, we look forward to learn about your innovative projects. #AANHPIHeritageMonth #AsianAmerican #Neurodiversity #ASD #DisabilityTwitter
What a surprise! I was not expecting
@hariSri108
to be at this panel. #AANHPIHeritageMonth #neurodiversity #AANHPI #asianamerican
On May 29th at 10 am PT // 1 pm ET, we'll be hosting an engaging conversation where our esteemed panelists will share their unique journeys, self-advocacy experiences, and invaluable insights on the intersection of autism and their cultural identities.
This virtual event offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of Ben VanHook, Celina Tupou-Fulivai, Hari Srinivasan, and Dennis Tran. Moderated by the Dr. Jenny Mai Phan and Kim Chua, we'll delve into thought-provoking discussions that champion inclusion, amplify diverse narratives, and foster a deeper understanding of neurodivergence within the AANHPI communities.
Join us as we embrace the beauty of our differences, challenge societal norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting world. Together, we can break down barriers, dispel myths, and create a space where every perspectives is celebrated.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired!
📅 Save the date: Wednesday, May 29th
⏰ Time: 10 am - 11 am PT // 1 pm - 2pm ET
💡 Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gExf56ba
Save the date: Wednesday, May 29
Time: 10 AM PT
Event: Free Virtual Panel
Time: 10 AM PT
Event: Free Virtual Panel
Join us on Wednesday, May 29 at 10 AM Pacific Time/ 1 PM Eastern Time for an empowering and insightful virtual discussion. Our incredible panelists, each with their own unique experiences, will be sharing their journeys of self-advocacy, exploring how they intertwine their rich cultural heritage with autism to foster change and understanding.
This panel is not just a conversation but a step forward in embracing the diversity of the autism community and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
Let's come together to support and learn from the experiences of the AAPI autistic community. I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Don't miss our upcoming online panel featuring inspiring autistic Asian American and Pacific Islander self-advocates! 🌟
Join us for an engaging conversation as they share their unique journeys, self-advocacy experiences, and insights on the intersection of autism and their cultural heritage. This event offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and champion inclusion.
Join us for an engaging conversation as they share their unique journeys, self-advocacy experiences, and insights on the intersection of autism and their cultural heritage. This event offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and champion inclusion.
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Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Autism Rodent Models
E/I IMBALANCE AND AUTISTIC-LIKE BEHAVIORS:
Factors Contributing to E/I Imbalance
- Optogenetic stimulation of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex in mice induces social deficits associated with enhanced gamma oscillations.
- Increased neocortical E/I ratio caused by malfunctions of PV-expressing interneurons induces excessive gamma oscillations and autistic-like behaviors.
Factors Contributing to E/I Imbalance
- E/I balance at the circuit level involves the interplay between GABAergic interneurons and target pyramidal neurons, modulating long-range connections.
Excitatory Synapse Development
- Neuroligin and neurexin genes play critical roles in synapse and circuit development.
- Knockout of 4E-BP2 in mice upregulates neuroligins, increases hippocampal synaptic E/I ratio, and induces autistic-like behaviors.
- Pharmacologic inhibition of eIF4E or knockdown of neuroligin-1 normalizes the E/I ratio and rescues autistic-like behaviors.
AMPAR
- Ampakine rescues impaired long-term potentiation and long-term memory in Ube3a-deficient mice, a model of Angelman syndrome.
- Various gene mutations affect AMPAR transmission and synaptic functions in different mouse models.
- IGF-1 treatment rescues reduced excitatory transmission in Shank3 and Mecp2 mice.
NMDAR
- Mutations in genes like Nlgn1, Shank2, and Tbr1 lead to NMDAR hypofunction and social deficits in mice.
- Both hypo- and hyperfunction of NMDARs can cause autistic-like behaviors in animal models.
- mGluR5 hyperfunction in Fmr1 and BTBR mice is implicated in ASDs.
Signaling Pathways
- The mTOR pathway and actin-modulatory pathways play crucial roles in rescuing autistic-like phenotypes in animal models.
- Dopamine receptor agonists/antagonists and 5-hydroxytryptamine rescue behaviors in various mouse models.
Inhibitory Synapse Development and Function
Perspectives
- Deletion of inhibitory synapse-specific Nlgn2 leads to decreased inhibitory synapse density and cognitive deficits.
- Mutations in genes like Nlgn3 and Cntnap2 affect GABAergic transmission in different brain regions.
- Deficiencies in GABA A receptor subunits and altered tonic GABAergic transmission are observed in ASD model animals.
Interneurons
- PV interneurons are crucial for regulating gamma oscillations and are associated with psychiatric disorders.
- Defects in PV, SST, and NPY interneurons lead to various phenotypes in mouse models.
- Reduced interneuronal firing and GABAergic output contribute to social and cognitive deficits in ASD models.
- Astrocytes and nonastrocytic glial cells like microglia and oligodendrocytes play roles in regulating excitatory synapse structure and function.
- Re-expression of MeCP2 in glial cells can restore disease-related phenotypes in ASD models.
Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability
Temporal E/I Regulation
- Deficits in dendritic ion channels and intrinsic excitability are observed in various mouse models.
- Neuregulin-ErbB4 signaling modulates the intrinsic excitability of PV interneurons.Homeostatic
- Fmr1 mice show altered synaptic scaling in different brain regions.
- GKAP/DLGAP1/SAPAP1 scaffold regulates bidirectional synaptic scaling in the hippocampus.
Temporal E/I Regulation
- Temporal changes in E/I balance are crucial for normal brain development.
- Early interventions with specific inhibitors can normalize E/I balance and rescue abnormal phenotypes in animal models.
- Delayed restoration of certain genes can also rescue abnormal phenotypes in ASD models.
Perspectives
- Careful interpretation of rescue results is necessary to understand the fundamental correction of pathogenic mechanisms.
Lee, E., Lee, J., & Kim, E. (2017). Excitation/inhibition imbalance in animal models of autism spectrum disorders. Biological psychiatry, 81(10), 838-847.
MTT Mental Time Travel
Mental Time Travel (MTT) refers to the cognitive ability to mentally project oneself backward in time to recall past events or forward in time to anticipate future scenarios. In relation to autism, MTT research explores how individuals with autism may experience differences in episodic memory and future-oriented thinking, potentially leading to challenges in recalling specific personal events or imagining detailed future scenarios. [ Read in more detail on MTT]
PlainSpeak: Mental Time Travel (MTT) is our brain’s way of thinking back to past memories or imagining what might happen in the future. For people with autism, MTT might work differently, sometimes making it harder to remember personal events or imagine future plans. [Read in more detail, a PlainSpeak Version]
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Related Posts: [Autism Theories], [Sensorimotor], [Neuroscience of Autism]
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