Changes in stem evoked potentials in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that are becoming more and more common. The steady incidence rate and delayed diagnosis require the expansion and improvement of diagnostic methods for early correction and improvement of patients' quality of life. The purpose of the study is to identify the changes in short-latency auditory evoked potentials (SAEPs) in children at risk for ASD formation, as well as in children with ASDs in order to determine the severity of speech delay and to draw up a corrective plan. Materials and Methods. The authors examined 50 children with ASDs: 40 boys and 10 girls. The control group consisted of 23 children of the same age without clinical signs of ASDs and speech delay (15 boys and 8 girls). When registering SAEPs, peak 5 dominant latency was determined. The distribution parameters of the latent period values of SAEP peaks were estimated. Results. A slight delay in peak 4 impulse conduction was found in children with ASDs over the age of 5. In the earlier age groups, these changes were considered clinically insignificant. When assessing peak 5, a sharp decrease in the speed of acoustic signals was observed in all age groups compared with the control. The results of SAEP assessment showed a pronounced slowdown in the conduction of auditory information by the brainstem at the mesencephalic level in children with ASDs compared to the control. Conclusion. Children with ASDs are characterized by disturbances in the speed and frequency characteristics of brainstem auditory tracts. The revealed decrease in peak 5 velocity is important for diagnosis, including differential diagnosis of speech delay, drawing up a corrective plan and carrying out early corrective measures, and for the prevention of developmental disorders in young children.