Cortical activation during attention to sound in autism spectrum disorders

► We applied NIRS to a monitor of brain activities according to attention conditions. ► The auditory cortex in ASD responds to sounds fully during attention. ► Cortical responses differed not in the auditory but in the prefrontal region. ► ASD subjects had difficulties in ignoring audible voices intentionally. ► Difficulties in attention control may account for hypersensitivity or unawareness.