Relationship Between Visual Perception and Participation Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Aged 4–6 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the relationship between visual perceptual skills and participation performance in 4-6-year-old children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed for children diagnosed with ASD. Visual perceptual abilities were assessed using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-Fourth Edition (MVPT-4), and participation levels were measured using the Children Participation Questionnaire (CPQ). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26, employing one-sample t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 48 participants were included in the study: mean age, 4.98±0.82 years; 66.7% were male; 79.2% attended regular schools. One-sample t-tests indicated significant deficits across all CPQ dimensions (P<0.001). Visual perception was negatively correlated with autism severity (r=-0.429, P=0.002) and positively correlated with participation diversity (r=0.404, P=0.004). In the activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) occupations, visual perception was significantly associated with all CPQ elements. Conversely, play and leisure occupations showed mostly negative correlations with the CPQ occupations, while social participation and education showed mixed results. Visual perception was positively correlated with most elements but negatively associated with enjoyment (r=-0.428; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children with ASD demonstrate significant participation restrictions. Visual perception emerged as a critical determinant of participation, particularly in ADL and educational contexts. Early interventions targeting visual perception skills may enhance independence and functional engagement, though interventions should also address the enjoyment and emotional experience occupations to ensure holistic participation outcomes.