The Quality of Everyday Eye Contact in Williams Syndrome: Insights From Cross-Syndrome Comparisons

Ellen Ridley; Bronia Arnott; Deborah M Riby; D Michael Burt; Mary Hanley; Susan R Leekam

doi:10.1352/1944-7558-127.4.293

The Quality of Everyday Eye Contact in Williams Syndrome: Insights From Cross-Syndrome Comparisons

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2022 Jul 1;127(4):293-312. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.4.293.

Authors

Ellen Ridley¹, Bronia Arnott², Deborah M Riby³, D Michael Burt⁴, Mary Hanley⁵, Susan R Leekam⁶

Affiliations

¹ Ellen Ridley, Centre for Neurodiversity & Development, Durham University, and Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
² Bronia Arnott, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK.
³ Deborah M. Riby, Centre for Neurodiversity & Development, Durham University, and Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
⁴ D. Michael Burt, Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
⁵ Mary Hanley, Centre for Neurodiversity & Development, Durham University, and Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
⁶ Susan R. Leekam, Cardiff University Centre for Developmental Science, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AT, UK.

PMID: 36122327
DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.4.293

Abstract

Past research shows that individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) have heightened and prolonged eye contact. Using parent report measures, we examined not only the presence of eye contact but also its qualitative features. Study 1 included individuals with WS (n = 22, ages 6.0-36.3). Study 2 included children with different neurodevelopmental (ND) conditions (WS, autism spectrum condition, fragile X syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and children with neurotypical development (NT; n = 262, ages 4.0-17.11). Unusual eye contact features, including staring, were found in approximately half of the WS samples. However, other features such as brief glances were frequently found in WS and in all ND conditions, but not NT. Future research in ND conditions should focus on qualitative as well as quantitative features of eye contact.

Keywords: Williams syndrome; cross-syndrome comparison; eye contact; neurodevelopmental condition.

©AAIDD.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Autism Spectrum Disorder*
Child
Child, Preschool
Humans
Neurodevelopmental Disorders*
Williams Syndrome*
Young Adult