Dynamic Analysis and Neuromodulation of EEG Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on a Neural Mass Model

Although the electroencephalogram (EEG) activity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has extremely complicated dynamics, the basic research on its dynamic modeling remains unexplored. This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying EEG abnormalities in ASD from the perspective of dynamic modeling, and delve into the therapeutic principles of neuromodulation. First, by adjusting the average inhibitory synaptic gain and the average excitatory synaptic connection strength in the Wendling model, we reproduce clinical EEG characteristics of ASD, including Interictal Epileptiform Discharges (IEDs), increased relative power of the delta + theta band, decreased relative power of the alpha band, and reduced EEG complexity. This indicates that Excitation-Inhibition (EI) imbalance is potentially the trigger of abnormal EEG in ASD. Then, we demonstrate that both monophasic and biphasic repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) effectively control pathological discharges in ASD, with biphasic rTMS showing a reduced risk of over-control at the same frequency and intensity, consistent with clinical findings. Additionally, we show that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) plays a similar role to rTMS in the treatment of ASD, which proves the low-frequency DBS to be more effective in enhancing the complexity of brain activity, suggesting that DBS may hold promise as an innovative neuromodulation strategy for ASD. Our work helps to promote the development of dynamic modeling for ASD and to inspire therapeutic approaches for regulating the EI balance.