Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method including: obtaining neural activity data for a first subject and a second subject during verbal interaction between the first subject and the second subject; and calculating coherence between the neural activity data for the first subject and the neural activity data for the second subject. Another aspect of the invention provides a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium comprising computer-readable program instructions for implementing the one or more of the methods described herein.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides on ore more imaging techniques during passive auditory stimulation to objectively provide a diagnostic indicator of ASD. These techniques include functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that uniquely provides an objective (imaging) physiological technique to diagnose early autism and to monitor progress following therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides on ore more imaging techniques during passive auditory stimulation to objectively provide a diagnostic indicator of ASD. These techniques include functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that uniquely provides an objective (imaging) physiological technique to diagnose early autism and to monitor progress following therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides on ore more imaging techniques during passive auditory stimulation to objectively provide a diagnostic indicator of ASD. These techniques include functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that uniquely provides an objective (imaging) physiological technique to diagnose early autism and to monitor progress following therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing the ability of a subject to visually perceive contrast between adjacent fields of different luminance. The subject is presented with a series of visual test patterns, each one of which includes at least two fields of differing luminance resulting in a contrast edge at the interface between the fields. The subject's ability to perceive the edge between the fields is monitored. A series of different test patterns are presented electronically to the subject on a computer-controlled screen which includes one field of constant or fixed luminance and one field of variable luminance. The luminance level of the variable field may be predetermined and varied by the computer in one protocol or controlled by the subject using a subject operated control device as an alternative protocol.