Systematic Review on EEG Analysis to Diagnose and Treat Autism by Evaluating Functional Connectivity and Spectral Power

Louise Bogéa Ribeiro,* Manoel da Silva Filho* Federal University of Pará, Assistive Prototyping Lab, Belém-PA, Brazil*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Louise Bogéa Ribeiro, Federal University of Pará, Assistive Prototyping Lab, Governador José Malcher Ave, 1423, Belém-PA, 66060230, Brazil, Tel +55 (91) 992341623, Email Louisebr@ufpa.brAbstract: An abnormality in neural connectivity is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is no way to test the concept of neural connectivity empirically. According to recent network theory and time series analysis findings, electroencephalography (EEG) can assess neural network architecture, a sign of activity in the brain. This systematic review aims to evaluate functional connectivity and spectral power using EEG signals. EEG records the brain activity of an individual by displaying wavy lines that depict brain cells’ communication through electrical impulses. EEG can diagnose various brain disorders, including epilepsy and related seizure illness, brain dysfunction, tumors, and damage. We found 21 studies using two of the most common EEG analysis methods: functional connectivity and spectral power. ASD and non-ASD individuals were found to differ significantly in all selected papers. Due to high heterogeneity in the outcomes, generalizations cannot be drawn, and no single method is currently beneficial as a diagnostic tool. For ASD subtype delineation, the lack of research prevented the evaluation of these techniques as diagnostic tools. These findings confirm the presence of abnormalities in the EEG in ASD, but they are insufficient to diagnose. Our study suggests that EEG is useful in diagnosing ASD by evaluating entropy in the brain. Researchers may be able to develop new diagnostic methods for ASD which focuses on particular stimuli and brainwaves if they conduct more extensive studies with higher numbers and more rigorous study designs.Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, neuroimaging, early diagnoses, multiscale entropy