Abstract
Biological motion is easily perceived by neurotypical observers when encoded in point-light displays. Some but not all relevant
research shows significant deficits in biological motion perception among those with ASD, especially with respect to emotional
displays. We tested adults with and without ASD on the perception of masked biological motion and the perception of direction
from coherent and scrambled biological motion. Within the autism spectrum group, there was a large and statistically significant
relationship between IQ and the ability to perceive directionality in masked biological motion. There were no group differences
in sensitivity to biological motion or the ability to identify the direction of motion. Possible explanations are discussed,
including the possible use of compensatory strategies in high IQ ASD.
research shows significant deficits in biological motion perception among those with ASD, especially with respect to emotional
displays. We tested adults with and without ASD on the perception of masked biological motion and the perception of direction
from coherent and scrambled biological motion. Within the autism spectrum group, there was a large and statistically significant
relationship between IQ and the ability to perceive directionality in masked biological motion. There were no group differences
in sensitivity to biological motion or the ability to identify the direction of motion. Possible explanations are discussed,
including the possible use of compensatory strategies in high IQ ASD.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1267-0
- Authors
- M. D. Rutherford, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Nikolaus F. Troje, Department of Psychology, Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257