A comparison of the development of audiovisual integration in children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children

J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 Nov;40(11):1403-11. doi: 10.1007/s10803-010-1000-4.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the development of audiovisual integration in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Audiovisual integration was measured using the McGurk effect in children with ASD aged 7-16 years and typically developing children (control group) matched approximately for age, sex, nonverbal ability and verbal ability. Results showed that the children with ASD were delayed in visual accuracy and audiovisual integration compared to the control group. However, in the audiovisual integration measure, children with ASD appeared to 'catch-up' with their typically developing peers at the older age ranges. The suggestion that children with ASD show a deficit in audiovisual integration which diminishes with age has clinical implications for those assessing and treating these children.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation / methods
  • Adolescent
  • Auditory Perception*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Child Development*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Nonverbal Communication / psychology*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Verbal Behavior*
  • Visual Perception*