Objective Perceptual and cognitive inflexibility is considered to underlie the repetitive and restricted behaviours of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, despite its severe effects on daily life of autistic individuals, the biological basis of these ASD core symptoms remain little known. In this project, I will investigate the neural mechanisms behind this fundamental mental inflexibility of ASD by examining neural activity during bistable perception, which is thought to be suitable for evaluation of such mental and perceptual rigidity. To detect neural responses from the brains of autistic individuals during such fluctuating perceptual experience, I will empirically calculate the energy landscape of brain activity from non-invasive measurements of brain activity and numerically simulate activity transition on the energy surface. Given the explanatory power of this method demonstrated by my preliminary data, this project is expected to provide the first empirical evidence for autistic impairments in dynamic brain activity that underlies the mental inflexibility of ASD. Furthermore, successful completion of this main project will provide insight for a novel non-invasive intervention protocol to mitigate such autistic cognitive rigidity, which will be subsequently tested within this research project. I believe that this project has the potential to provide a novel integrative perspective to understand autistic cognitive inflexibility and presents a promising approach to modify these relatively overlooked symptoms. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 195 454,80 Address Gower street WC1E 6BT London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
