Locating the absent self: characterising neurocognitive impairments of self-representation in autism spectrum disorder

Combining advanced brain imaging and computational approaches, we will identify brain networks and neural dynamics that show alternations in adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Using novel behavioural measures, we will explore how the alternations in the autistic brain give rise to impaired self-representation in autism.

The cardinal symptom of atypical social interaction in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been linked to impaired self-representation. Understanding this “absent-self” is important for investigating why and how social disconnect occurs in ASD, and is fundamental for diagnosis and evaluating treatment efficacy. However, current research is hampered by the lack of sensitive measures of the autistic self.

This PhD will address this challenge, by combining robust measures of self-representation, cutting-edge brain imaging and computational modelling. We will establish how changes in brain activities and neural dynamics give rise to the absent-self in ASD. This will help develop new effective behavioural and medical interventions for ASD in early life.

Our innovative doctoral training is reflected in novel measures from a Cardiff ASD cohort and cutting-edge multimodal brain-imaging.

For further details of this project, please see our website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/project/locating-the-absent-self-characterising-neurocognitive-impairments-of-self-representation-in-autism-spectrum-disorder