Inside our invisible bubble: A review of developmental and neural perspectives of peripersonal space in Autism
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerSrinivasan, H. (2025). Inside our invisible bubble: A review of developmental and neural perspectives of peripersonal space in Autism. Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19104407
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Abstract
Abstract This review explores how Peripersonal Space (PPS)—the dynamic multisensory interface surrounding the body— is shaped in autism, a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by distinct sensory, motor, and social challenges. Atypical PPS dimensions in autistics, such as reduced flexibility and altered modulation, are linked to heightened sensory sensitivities, spatial navigation difficulties, and increased anxiety in social contexts. Neuroimaging studies indicate alterations in the premotor and parietal cortices as well as atypical thalamocortical connectivity, providing a neural basis for these differences. Drawing on neuroscience and developmental research, this review highlights how PPS evolves across the lifespan in autism, influencing everyday behaviors from infancy through old age. By integrating contemporary theories of PPS with empirical findings, we identify mechanisms that may underlie altered PPS representations and discuss their real-world implications. Advanced methodologies—most notably virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—are accelerating PPS research by offering immersive, customizable environments for assessing sensory integration, yet limitations persist. Sampling biases, especially the exclusion of higher-support-needs individuals, hinder the generalizability of current findings. To address these challenges, we emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive research designs, and the active participation of autistic individuals. A nuanced understanding of PPS can inform tailored interventions—such as sensory-friendly environments and the development of training strategies to enhance PPS flexibility—that improve quality of life. Ultimately, by bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, PPS research can not only deepen our scientific understanding of autism but also foster greater social inclusion and practical support for the autistic community.
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