The developmental timing of spinal touch processing alterations predicts behavioral changes in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorders

Altered somatosensory reactivity is frequently observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study in ASD mouse models reveals that while multiple models exhibit aberrant somatosensory behaviors in adulthood, the timing of altered tactile reactivity varies. Neonatal tactile overreactivity is associated with anxiety-like behaviors and social deficits in adulthood, unlike overreactivity emerging later. The locus of circuit disruption dictates the timing; peripheral mechanosensory neuron alterations lead to early overreactivity, while spinal cord disruptions cause later-onset changes. Developmental timing of aberrant touch processing predicts ASD-associated behaviors, highlighting the potential contribution of differential sensory disturbance onset to phenotypic diversity in ASD.

Aniqa Tasnim, Ilayda Alkislar, Richard Hakim, Josef Turecek, Amira Abdelaziz, Lauren L. Orefice, David D. Ginty