University of South Carolina-Columbia · PsychologyAutonomic Function and Behavioral Development Lab
Jane E Roberts · Columbia, South Carolina
Research Focus
Dr. Jane E Roberts’ lab at the University of South Carolina explores how autonomic nervous system function relates to sensory sensitivity and other behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome. Her research looks at infants at risk for ASD, examining how these biological systems develop and affect communication and anxiety over time. By studying these processes, the lab aims to identify early interventions that can help improve developmental outcomes.
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutonomic Nervous SystemSensory ProcessingFragile X SyndromeBiological Mechanisms
Research Aims
4AIM 01Identify the onset and developmental trajectory of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in infants.
AIM 02Determine the relationship between autonomic nervous system function and sensory input responsiveness.
AIM 03Characterize the behavioral impacts of autonomic dysfunction on social communication and anxiety.
AIM 04Explore the molecular-genetic factors associated with autonomic dysfunction in fragile X syndrome and premutation.
Skills the Lab Values
Longitudinal StudiesData CollectionStatistical AnalysisPhysiological MeasurementsBehavioral Assessments
Output against the department
Publications175top 41% of dept.118th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations4.5kbottom 41% of dept.175th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.