Observation of Predictable Visual Stimuli a Potential Early Indicator for Autism
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, April 18, 2025 -- Predictable movement stimuli could be a behavioral marker for early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in Scientific Reports.
Children with ASD may develop predictive processing abilities for repeated behaviors, providing insight into how they recognize and respond to predictable patterns, according to Mikimasa Omori, from Waseda University in Saitama, Japan. Omori examined observation durations for predictable movements for children with potential ASD (13 male and four female) compared to typically developing children (nine male and two female) using a preferential-looking paradigm. Participants were presented with pairs of stimuli featuring predictable and unpredictable movements, which were observed side-by-side.
Omori found that children with potential ASD spent significantly more time observing predictable movements, especially in the latter part of the stimulus presentation.
"Early diagnosis is critical for implementing effective interventions, as earlier detection increases the likelihood of leveraging brain plasticity to support development," Omori writes. "This study's results highlight the potential of predictable stimuli as an early screening tool, offering promise for improving early diagnosis and intervention for children at risk for ASD."
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted April 2025
Read this next
Subcutaneous EEG System Feasible, Acceptable for Monitoring Seizures
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2025 -- Novel subcutaneous electroencephalography (sqEEG) systems, consisting of a small electrode placed beneath the skin, are feasible and acceptable for...
Counties With Repeated Low Cervical Cancer Screening Have Worse Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2025 -- Women in counties with repeatedly lower cervical cancer screening rates have nearly double the rate of cervical cancer incidence and mortality as...
College Students With Autism Report Higher Rates of Anxiety, Depression
TUESDAY, Aug. 19, 2025 -- College students with autism face higher rates of anxiety and depression than students without autism, according to a study recently published online in...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.