Gaze and visual search strategies of children with Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism viewing a magic trick

Joosten, A., Girdler, S., Albrecht, M. A., Horlin, C. , Falkmer, M., Leung, D., Ordqvist, A., Fleischer, H. and Falkmer, T. (2016) Gaze and visual search strategies of children with Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism viewing a magic trick. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 19(2), pp. 95-102. (doi: 10.3109/17518423.2014.913081) (PMID:24866104)

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Abstract

Objective: To examine visual search patterns and strategies used by children with and without Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism (AS/HFA) while watching a magic trick. Limited responsivity to gaze cues is hypothesised to contribute to social deficits in children with AS/HFA. Methods: Twenty-one children with AS/HFA and 31 matched peers viewed a video of a gaze-cued magic trick twice. Between the viewings, they were informed about how the trick was performed. Participants’ eye movements were recorded using a head-mounted eye-tracker. Results: Children with AS/HFA looked less frequently and had shorter fixation on the magician’s direct and averted gazes during both viewings and more frequently at not gaze-cued objects and on areas outside the magician’s face. After being informed of how the trick was conducted, both groups made fewer fixations on gaze-cued objects and direct gaze. Conclusions: Information may enhance effective visual strategies in children with and without AS/HFA.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Horlin, Dr Chiara
Authors: Joosten, A., Girdler, S., Albrecht, M. A., Horlin, C., Falkmer, M., Leung, D., Ordqvist, A., Fleischer, H., and Falkmer, T.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
Journal Name:Developmental Neurorehabilitation
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1751-8423
ISSN (Online):1751-8431
Published Online:27 May 2014

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