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Cited by 419Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchAction Observation and SynchronizationGenetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The temporal binding deficit hypothesis of autism

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BROCK, JON, BROWN, CAROLINE C., BOUCHER, JILL, RIPPON, GINA·2002·Development and Psychopathology
DOI 10.1017/s0954579402002018
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Abstract

Frith has argued that people with autism show "weak central coherence," an unusual bias toward piecemeal rather than configurational processing and a reduction in the normal tendency to process information in context. However, the precise cognitive and neurological mechanisms underlying weak central coherence are still unknown. We propose the hypothesis that the features of autism associated with weak central coherence result from a reduction in the integration of specialized local neural networks in the brain caused by a deficit in temporal binding. The visuoperceptual anomalies associated with weak central coherence may be attributed to a reduction in synchronization of high-frequency gamma activity between local networks processing local features. The failure to utilize context in language processing in autism can be explained in similar terms. Temporal binding deficits could also contribute to executive dysfunction in autism and to some of the deficits in socialization and communication.

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Authors
BROCK, J., BROWN, C. C., BOUCHER, J., & RIPPON, G.
Affiliations
  • University of Warwick (GB)
  • Aston University (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Development and Psychopathology
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2002-05-15
Volume
14
Issue
2
Pages
209-224
ISSN
  • 0954-5794 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-2198
DOI
10.1017/s0954579402002018
OpenAlex
W2117232099
Cited by
419
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 26 · 2013: 29 · 2012: 25
FWCI
0.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified)
Locations
  • Development and Psychopathology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Bristol Research (University of Bristol) (publishedVersion)
  • Aston Publications Explorer (Aston University) (acceptedVersion)
  • Warwick Research Archive Portal (University of Warwick) (acceptedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Action Observation and Synchronization
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, weak central coherence, temporal binding, gamma oscillations, neural network integration, visuoperception, context processing, language processing, executive dysfunction, social communication deficits
MeSH terms
Attention, Autistic Disorder, Brain, Child, Communication, Electroencephalography, Humans, Nerve Net, Socialization, Speech Perception, Visual Perception

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