Visual acuity impaired in autistic children, research shows
Visual acuity impaired in autistic children
Autistic children have poor ability to locate everyday things such as toys in the room or grocery items, compounding their troubles to live functionally, a new study by the University of Bristol revealed on Monday. The research paper will be published in the December 21-25 issue of the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences". The study authors said that by allowing the kids to perform real-life activities, they sought to debunk earlier findings which showed that autistic children possess enhanced visual acuity and searching skills. "This new research indicates that children with autism are unable to search effectively for objects in real-life situations -- a skill that is essential for achieving independence in adulthood," the researchers said in a statement.
The test involved 40 children, including 20 who are autistic, who were told to search for items in a room resembling just like a real room unlike other previous tests which utilized computers and table-tops. The researchers found out that "children with autism were less efficient and more chaotic in their search" and that explains why autistic children often are unable to point out objects. "The ability to work effectively and systematically in these kind of tasks mirrors everyday behaviors that allow us to function as independent adults," said co-author Josie Briscoe. Autism is a brain disorder where the interaction and communication of the person with the environment is impaired. Symptoms of limited interest and repetitive behavior often show before the child's third birthday. About 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with the cognitive disorder. The exact mechanism of how the disorder develops in autistic children is yet to be fully understood.
Posted by
George Daniels
on Tuesday December 21 2010, 1:07 AM EST.
Ref: Inquirer.
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