ANC Workshop - 25/03/2025 Speaker: Renato ParedesTitle: Neural Network modelling of multisensory integration differences in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum DisorderAbstract: Recent theories propose that changes in bodily self-consciousness in Schizophrenia (SCZ) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may result from shared multisensory processing abnormalities. However, the neural basis for these differences in multisensory integration is unknown. We lack a computational explanation of how spatiotemporal multisensory integration and peripersonal space (PPS) relate to bodily self-aberrations. We propose a computational approach based on neural network modelling to uncover common neural mechanisms affecting the representation of the PPS and multisensory integration in SCZ and ASD. Our network model suggests that reduced PPS in SCZ patients may result from increased neuronal excitation and lower synaptic density. While increased excitation does not hinder PPS expansion after tool use, a reduced learning rate is necessary to mimic the observed expansion. On the other hand, our model indicates that an inflexible small PPS in ASD during social situations may also result from excessive excitation. In addition, we found that heightened excitation in recurrent or cross-modal connectivity impairs multisensory causal inference, extending the temporal window of the sound-induced flash illusion and increasing its susceptibility in the schizophrenia spectrum. Finally, we present Scikit-NeuroMSI, a new Python package for modelling multisensory integration at different levels of analysis, along with future venues to explore shared neural mechanisms affecting multisensory integration and bodily self-consciousness in SCZ and ASD.Bio: Computational cognitive neuroscientist. I am a PhD candidate in Neuroscience from the National University of Cordoba (Argentina), Master in Cognitive Science from the University of Edinburgh and Bachelor in Psychology from Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP). My work focuses on experimental research and computational modelling of the neural basis of human cognition and behaviour. I currently work in the field of computational psychiatry, concentrating on multisensory integration processes and bodily self-perception. I actively collaborate in the field of human-robot interaction, focusing on the validation of emerging technologies for health and education. Currently I work as an Assistant Professor at the Psychology Department of PUCP, where I lead the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (Instagram: @neuropucp).References:Paredes, R., Ferri, F., & Seriès, P. (2022). Influence of E/I balance and pruning in peri-personal space differences in schizophrenia: a computational approach. Schizophrenia Research, 248, 368-377. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.06.026Noel, J. P., Paredes, R., Terrebonne, E., Feldman, J. I., Woynaroski, T., Cascio, C. J., ... & Wallace, M. T. (2022). Inflexible updating of the self-other divide during a social context in autism: psychophysical, electrophysiological, and neural network modeling evidence. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 7(8), 756-764. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.03.013 Mar 25 2025 13.00 - 14.00 ANC Workshop - 25/03/2025 Renato Paredes Event host: Peggy Series Room 2.14, Appleton Tower
ANC Workshop - 25/03/2025 Speaker: Renato ParedesTitle: Neural Network modelling of multisensory integration differences in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum DisorderAbstract: Recent theories propose that changes in bodily self-consciousness in Schizophrenia (SCZ) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may result from shared multisensory processing abnormalities. However, the neural basis for these differences in multisensory integration is unknown. We lack a computational explanation of how spatiotemporal multisensory integration and peripersonal space (PPS) relate to bodily self-aberrations. We propose a computational approach based on neural network modelling to uncover common neural mechanisms affecting the representation of the PPS and multisensory integration in SCZ and ASD. Our network model suggests that reduced PPS in SCZ patients may result from increased neuronal excitation and lower synaptic density. While increased excitation does not hinder PPS expansion after tool use, a reduced learning rate is necessary to mimic the observed expansion. On the other hand, our model indicates that an inflexible small PPS in ASD during social situations may also result from excessive excitation. In addition, we found that heightened excitation in recurrent or cross-modal connectivity impairs multisensory causal inference, extending the temporal window of the sound-induced flash illusion and increasing its susceptibility in the schizophrenia spectrum. Finally, we present Scikit-NeuroMSI, a new Python package for modelling multisensory integration at different levels of analysis, along with future venues to explore shared neural mechanisms affecting multisensory integration and bodily self-consciousness in SCZ and ASD.Bio: Computational cognitive neuroscientist. I am a PhD candidate in Neuroscience from the National University of Cordoba (Argentina), Master in Cognitive Science from the University of Edinburgh and Bachelor in Psychology from Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP). My work focuses on experimental research and computational modelling of the neural basis of human cognition and behaviour. I currently work in the field of computational psychiatry, concentrating on multisensory integration processes and bodily self-perception. I actively collaborate in the field of human-robot interaction, focusing on the validation of emerging technologies for health and education. Currently I work as an Assistant Professor at the Psychology Department of PUCP, where I lead the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (Instagram: @neuropucp).References:Paredes, R., Ferri, F., & Seriès, P. (2022). Influence of E/I balance and pruning in peri-personal space differences in schizophrenia: a computational approach. Schizophrenia Research, 248, 368-377. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.06.026Noel, J. P., Paredes, R., Terrebonne, E., Feldman, J. I., Woynaroski, T., Cascio, C. J., ... & Wallace, M. T. (2022). Inflexible updating of the self-other divide during a social context in autism: psychophysical, electrophysiological, and neural network modeling evidence. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 7(8), 756-764. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.03.013 Mar 25 2025 13.00 - 14.00 ANC Workshop - 25/03/2025 Renato Paredes Event host: Peggy Series Room 2.14, Appleton Tower
