Children with autism may not always process body movements effectively, study finds

Children's Health

Noticing and understanding what it means when a person leans into a conversation or takes a step back and crosses their arms is a vital part of human communication. Researchers at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester have found that children with autism spectrum disorder may not always process body movements effectively, especially if they are distracted by something else.

“Being able to read and respond to someone’s body language is important in our daily interactions with others,” said Emily Knight, M.D., Ph.D., clinical and postdoctoral fellow in Pediatrics and Neuroscience, is the first author of the study recently published in Molecular Autism. “Our findings suggest that when children with autism are distracted by something else, their brains process the movements of another person differently than their peers.”

Key differences in brain processes

Using electroencephalogram (EEG), researchers recorded the brain waves of children with and without autism as they watched videos of moving dots that were arranged to look like a person. In these videos the dots moved to represent actions such as running, kicking, or jumping, and at times were turned in different directions or jumbled to no longer move like a person. The six to 16 years olds were asked to either focus on the color of the dots or to focus on whether the dots moved like a person. Researchers found the brainwaves of children with autism did not process when the dots moved like a person if they were focused on the dot color.

“If their brain is processing body movements less they might have a harder time understanding other people, and need to pay extra attention to body language in order to see it,” said Knight. “Knowing this can help guide new ways to support people with autism.”

This is more evidence of how the brain of someone with autism is processing the world around them. This research is a vital step in creating a more inclusive space for people with autism by giving a glimpse of how their brain processes an unspoken part of communication.”

John Foxe, Ph.D., lead author of the study

Journal reference:

Knight, E.J., et al. (2022) Attentional influences on neural processing of biological motion in typically developing children and those on the autism spectrum. Molecular Autism. doi.org/10.1186/s13229-022-00512-7.

Articles You May Like

Mommy’s Favorite Things – 7 ideas to Relax and Unwind
Is there a better way to screen for cervical cancer?
Can probiotics prevent ear infections and tonsilitis?
5 Ways to a Healthy Coparenting Relationship after Divorce
The CRA may owe you money from years ago
Newborn sleep: 7 common mistakes new parents make
How the Fisher-Price Play Lab turns child’s play into educational toys
This TikTok mom found the simplest way to keep toddlers entertained
What Are Breast Pads? Types and Tips To Choose Them
The Medical 3D Printing Center at Washington University Medical Campus
2022 Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon
Can Babies Play Independently?
Did You Know Some Halloween Candy Is Better for Your Kid’s Teeth?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.