Emotion recognition and visual-scan paths in Fragile X syndrome

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 May;43(5):1119-39. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1654-1.

Abstract

This study investigated emotion recognition abilities and visual scanning of emotional faces in 16 Fragile X syndrome (FXS) individuals compared to 16 chronological-age and 16 mental-age matched controls. The relationships between emotion recognition, visual scan-paths and symptoms of social anxiety, schizotypy and autism were also explored. Results indicated that, compared to both control groups, the FXS group displayed specific emotion recognition deficits for angry and neutral (but not happy or fearful) facial expressions. Despite these evident emotion recognition deficits, the visual scanning of emotional faces was found to be at developmentally appropriate levels in the FXS group. Significant relationships were also observed between visual scan-paths, emotion recognition performance and symptomology in the FXS group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Eye Movements / physiology*
  • Facial Expression
  • Female
  • Fragile X Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Fragile X Syndrome / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*
  • Social Perception