A Framework For Motor Function Characterization in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Action/perception cycles have been described to be impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This goes beyond typical motor coordination, including core symptoms of autism. However, the neural basis of action understanding and motor function impairment still remains poorly characterized. In this paper, we present a framework for motion-related data collection. Electroencephalography (EEG) is recorded during walking and dancing imitation tasks to allow motor function characterization. We also present the validation of the framework based on the analysis of mu frequency band activity on EEG signals from neurotypical individuals. mu power modulation over the central EEG channels by action/perception cycles showed to be discriminative of all motion-related tasks tested. Both time-frequency analysis and machine-learning approaches corroborate our results.