Gaze patterns in infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder in Japan

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24790627
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Public health/Health science
• Research Institution: Showa University (2014-2015); Sagami Women's University (2012-2013)
• Principal Investigator: Kanai Chieko 昭和大学, 発達障害医療研究所, 講師 (00611089)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉症スペクトラム / 乳幼児期 / 早期発見

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Eye-tracking technology was used to assess the gaze patterns of infants at risk for ASD. 75 infants（8 with infants at risk for ASD (ASD), 67 with typically developing infants (TD). The video stimulus was 55 s long and consisted of 4 short video clips with no sound, each of which lasted for approximately 10 s. The infants were presented with video clips consisting of geometric images (GI) on 1 side and TV program for infants (TV). Result: 1）There is a significant difference in the two video clips between the both groups. ASD > TD: Preference for TV. 2) There is a significant difference in the mouth areas on the video clip of TV. ASD > TD Preference for the mouth areas of people. Possibility of an important indicator to assess the infants at risk for ASD.

Free Research Field

精神保健