Extension of Reward-Attention Circuit Model: Alcohol’s Influence on Attentional Focus and Consequences on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Attention is a key element that allows us to enhance or decrease the cognitive processing of distinct stimuli, depending on their relevance. In this work we investigate the influence that alcohol exerts on attention focusing, modeling the coupling of reward and thalamocortical circuits. Computer simulations of the reward-attention circuit reflect the spiking behavior of each neuron in the network, under the presence or absence of alcohol. Each neuron in the neural networks that replicate such circuits is described by a carefully designed coupled system of nonlinear differential equations that details essential neurophysiological properties. The computational simulations highlight aspects of clinical inattention symptoms in the autism spectrum disorder. Our results indicate that alcohol may lead to distraction or lack of attentional focus. Also, the simulations suggest why people with ASD might relaxes enhanced attentional focus when exposed to alcohol.