The use of a tablet-based app for investigating the influence of autistic and ADHD traits on performance in a complex drawing task

Savickaite, S., Morrison, C., Lux, E., Delafield-Butt, J. and Simmons, D.R. (2022) The use of a tablet-based app for investigating the influence of autistic and ADHD traits on performance in a complex drawing task. Behavior Research Methods, 54(5), pp. 2479-2501. (doi: 10.3758/s13428-021-01746-8) (PMID:35018608) (PMCID:PMC9579087)

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Abstract

This paper describes a smart tablet-based drawing app to digitally record participants’ engagement with the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF) task, a well-characterised perceptual memory task that assesses local and global memory. Digitisation of the tasks allows for improved ecological validity, especially in children attracted to tablet devices. Further, digital translation of the tasks affords new measures, including accuracy and computation of the fine motor control kinematics employed to carry out the drawing Here, we report a feasibility study to test the relationship between two neurodevelopmental conditions: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The smart tablet app was employed with 39 adult participants (18-35) characterised for autistic and ADHD traits, and scored using the ROCF perceptual and organisational scoring systems. Trait scores and conditions were predictor variables in linear regression models. Positive correlations were found between the attention-to-detail, attention-switching and communication subscales of the autistic trait questionnaire and organisational scores on the ROCF task. These findings suggest that autistic traits might be linked to differential performance on the ROCF task. Novelty and future applications of the app are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Simmons, Dr David and Savickaite, Ms Sarune
Authors: Savickaite, S., Morrison, C., Lux, E., Delafield-Butt, J., and Simmons, D.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Behavior Research Methods
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1554-351X
ISSN (Online):1554-3528
Published Online:11 January 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Behavior Research Methods 54(5): 2479-2501
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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