Insight into Atypical Attention and Perception in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Relevance of Considering Individual Motor Proficiency

Researchers are interested in the way individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder attend to and perceive their visual environment, as atypical attention and perception is thought to contribute to the social and behavioural symptoms that define the disorder. This research revealed that attentional and perceptual anomalies vary as a function of motor proficiency in these individuals. Those with more pronounced motor difficulties showed greater difficulties with attention and perception, while those with better motor function showed subtler anomalies. Understanding the abilities of different individuals on the spectrum may offer insight into the underpinnings of the disorder and inform more targeted treatments.