The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) plays a significant role in the physiological regulation that underlies behavioral self-regulation and responsiveness to stimuli. (Miller, et al, 2001). Our research looks at the two branches of the autonomic nervous systems in subjects as they react to various stimuli. We analyze:

• Heart rate variability; a measure of the parasympathetic nervous system (PsNS)

• Heart rate is measured by three sticker-like electrodes placed on the subject's abdomen.

• Electrodermal activity (sweat gland responses); a measure of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity

• Electrodermal activity is measured by electrodes placed on each side of the subject's wrist.

We currently have two studies underway: one to examine sensory responsivity in children with autism and a second study examining the relations between sensory processing and leisure activity choices in college students.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHILDREN WITH AUTISM STUDY