Abstract
Although atypical motor behaviors have been associated with autism, investigations regarding their possible origins are scarce.
This study assessed the visual and vestibular components involved in atypical postural reactivity in autism. Postural reactivity
and stability were measured for younger (12–15 years) and older (16–33 years) autistic participants in response to a virtual
tunnel oscillating at different frequencies. At the highest oscillation frequency, younger autistic participants showed significantly
less instability compared to younger typically-developing participants; no such group differences were evidenced for older
participants. Additionally, no significant differences in postural behavior were found between all 4 groups when presented
with static or without visual information. Results confirm that postural hypo-reactivity to visual information is present
in autism, but is contingent on both visual environment and development.
This study assessed the visual and vestibular components involved in atypical postural reactivity in autism. Postural reactivity
and stability were measured for younger (12–15 years) and older (16–33 years) autistic participants in response to a virtual
tunnel oscillating at different frequencies. At the highest oscillation frequency, younger autistic participants showed significantly
less instability compared to younger typically-developing participants; no such group differences were evidenced for older
participants. Additionally, no significant differences in postural behavior were found between all 4 groups when presented
with static or without visual information. Results confirm that postural hypo-reactivity to visual information is present
in autism, but is contingent on both visual environment and development.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1326-6
- Authors
- Selma Greffou, Visual Psychophysics and Perception Laboratory, School of Optometry, University of Montreal, 3744 Jean-Brillant street, Montreal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
- Armando Bertone, Perceptual Neuroscience Laboratory for Autism and Development, Montreal, Canada
- Eva-Maria Hahler, Visual Psychophysics and Perception Laboratory, School of Optometry, University of Montreal, 3744 Jean-Brillant street, Montreal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
- Jean-Marie Hanssens, Visual Psychophysics and Perception Laboratory, School of Optometry, University of Montreal, 3744 Jean-Brillant street, Montreal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
- Laurent Mottron, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Jocelyn Faubert, Visual Psychophysics and Perception Laboratory, School of Optometry, University of Montreal, 3744 Jean-Brillant street, Montreal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257