Sensory, Cognitive, and Affective Neurodevelopment (SCAN) Lab combines brain imaging, measures of peripheral arousal to examine atypical sensory processing


SCAN Lab


Dr. Shulamite Green’s Sensory, Cognitive, and Affective Neurodevelopment (SCAN) Lab combines brain imaging, measures of peripheral arousal like heart rate, and behavior to examine atypical sensory processing in different groups of children and adolescents. We particularly focus on sensory over-responsivity, which is characterized as a heightened, atypical response to some sensory stimuli, affects multiple clinical groups and can greatly impact how people processes their social environment and function in daily life. Our goal is to better understand what causes impairing sensory processing differences, and how they affect other areas of functioning so we can help develop interventions to improve quality of life.

SCAN Lab makes use of new methods to expand our understanding of the biology underlying sensory over-responsivity

Recent work in our lab has been making use of new methods to expand our understanding of the biology underlying sensory over-responsivity. Two of our new measures include physiological assessments (heart rate and skin conductance), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which measures levels of inhibitory and excitatory neurochemicals in certain brain regions. A recent paper from our lab (Jung et al., 2021) showed that youth with autism show heightened overall heart rate as well as increases in heart rate in response to aversive sensory stimuli. Results suggest that children with sensory over-responsivity may go into “fight or flight” mode in response to sensory stimuli too quickly without having time to process whether there is a real threat or not. We also found that both heart rate and skin conductance responses to sensory stimulation related to activation in brain regions previously associated with sensory over-responsivity. Therefore, psychophysiological assessments may be an effective way to measure correlates of sensory over-responsivity in a wider range of autistic individuals, particularly those who find it difficult to participate in MRI.

In another recent paper led by first author Dr. Emily Wood, we found that sensory over-responsivity in autism is related to atypically low levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the thalamus and high levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter Glutamate in the somatosensory cortex. Results suggest that reduced levels of inhibition in the thalamus, an important sensory relay station, may play an underlying role in sensory over-responsivity by interfering with the thalamus’ ability to flexibly adjust attention to incoming sensory information. This means that GABA-modulating medications could be explored as a treatment for sensory over-responsivity.


COVID safety protocols continue in the SCAN Lab

While the pandemic has been challenging for all, we have found ways to adapt and continue our research with strong safety protocols in place. Please contact us if you are interested in participating in the near future or to be put on a waitlist for an upcoming study. Our new safety procedures include:

  • Health screeners and temperature checks prior to participation.
  • Universal masking and sanitation
  • Social distancing of 6 feet whenever possible, and no more than 2 staff members at a time in the MRI suite with the participant.
  • As much of the visit as possible takes place remotely, with most of the in-person visit consisting of the socially-distanced MRI scan.

While the pandemic has been challenging for all, we have found ways to adapt and continue our research with strong safety protocols in place. Please contact us if you are interested in participating in the near future or to be put on a waitlist for an upcoming study. Our new safety procedures include:

  • Sensory Over-Responsivity in Autism and Early Life Adversity
    • Currently recruiting youth ages 7-17 with a finalized adoption or legal guardianship
    • You may receive up to $100, plus a picture/video of your brain and a report on your sensory responsiveness!
  • Sensory Regulation Development: A Longitudinal Study - Coming soon!
    • Opportunities for autistic and typically-developing youth, ages 8-15
    • You may receive up to $270, plus a picture/video of your brain and a report on your sensory responsiveness!
  • Effect of Propranolol on Neurobiological Mechanisms of Sensory Over-Responsivity - Coming soon!
    • Opportunities for autistic youth with sensory over-responsivity, ages 8-17, to help determine whether a commonly-used beta-blocker can help with sensory over-responsivity


For more information, please contact:
Kaitlin Cummings
ucla.scan.lab@gmail.com
(323) 391-8795