Altered somatosensory processing in autism spectrum disorders: Mechanisms and emerging therapeutic opportunities

Mounting evidence indicates that sensory processing impairments are a key feature of ASD. In this lecture, David Ginty described work that employs molecular genetics, electrophysiological, synaptic and behavioral analyses to define the neurobiological basis of touch over-reactivity in mouse models of ASD, and its relationship to brain development and ASD-associated behavior. He also discussed new pharmacological approaches to treat touch over-reactivity with the goal of reducing sensory over-reactivity and potentially improving cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with ASD.

David Ginty is the Edward R. and Anne G. Lefler Professor of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His research focuses on development and functional organization of neural circuits that underlie touch perception in normal and disease states, and he serves as associate director of Harvard’s Program in Neuroscience. Dr. Ginty is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.