EEG spatial heterogeneity mapping shows more heterogeneous topography in autistic cortex

This cohort study analyzed 3,767 EEG datasets and 1,198 structural MRI scans from individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Researchers applied a spatial autocorrelation framework to map EEG aperiodic exponent topography, comparing it to conventional global mean and regional variability approaches. The primary outcome was spatial heterogeneity of EEG aperiodic exponent topography.

The main findings showed that autistic cortex exhibited a more heterogeneous topography at the mesoscale (approximately 6 to 9 cm), with this pattern persisting across both wakefulness and sleep states. The spatial heterogeneity metric outperformed both global mean and regional variability approaches in predicting ASC status. Additionally, the study found stronger structure/function coupling in ASC, suggesting the observed EEG topography patterns mirror local macroanatomy.

No safety or tolerability data were reported for this observational analysis. Key limitations were not explicitly detailed in the provided evidence. The study represents an observational investigation of neurophysiological patterns rather than a clinical intervention trial.

Practice relevance is currently limited to the research domain. These findings describe neurophysiological differences but do not establish diagnostic utility or therapeutic implications. Further validation in independent cohorts and investigation of clinical correlations would be needed before considering translation to clinical assessment tools.