Exploring Visual Search Asymmetry in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Abstract
Across the lifespan, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) excel at visual search compared to their typically developing (TD) peers. However, the mechanism underlying accelerated search remains unknown. A recent finding suggests that reduced search bias may contribute to superior search in ASD. The purpose of this study was to investigate search biases in children with ASD and TD children in three previously published visual search tasks, and to examine the relationship between search asymmetry and ASD symptomatology. Results partially supported the hypothesis that a lack of search bias may be related to faster search and greater sociocommunicative deficits in ASD. These findings suggest that reduced search bias may, in part, have explanatory significance with regard to the development of superior search skills and core ASD features.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Keehn, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Speech therapy
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