Summary
Meta-analyses show that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have reduced resting HRV and atypical autonomic responses to stress. This may relate to sensory sensitivities and difficulties with emotional regulation common in autism.
Methods
Meta-analysis of HRV studies in autism spectrum populations
Key Findings
- Reduced resting vagal tone in autistic individuals
- Atypical HRV responses to social and sensory stimuli
- Lower HRV associated with more anxiety and sensory issues
- Some pilot studies show HRV biofeedback may help
- Individual variation is substantial
Limitations
Heterogeneous autism presentations, limited intervention data
What This Means for You
Autistic individuals may have different HRV patterns than neurotypical peers. HRV tracking might help identify high-stress periods. Some early evidence suggests HRV biofeedback could support emotional regulation.
Source
Read the original paper in Autism Research ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10