Using eye tracking to explore the relationship between autism traits, joint attention, cognition and adaptive functioning in preschool children

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Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published
2026-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-026-09714-z
Primary Topic
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Using eye tracking to explore the relationship between autism traits, joint attention, cognition and adaptive functioning in preschool children

Nisha E. Mathew, Anthea A. Stylianakis, Hannah Pincham, Valsamma Eapen et al.
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
article

Using eye tracking to explore the relationship between autism traits, joint attention, cognition and adaptive functioning in preschool children

Nisha E. Mathew, Anthea A. Stylianakis, Hannah Pincham, Valsamma Eapen, Sparsh Chawla
article en

Abstract

There is significant heterogeneity in clinical presentations, brain-imaging findings, and genetic underpinnings of autism. Autism traits, particularly social affect and joint attention, and related domains of adaptive functioning and cognitive development, are key characteristics in determining autism "profiles". This study aimed to understand such baseline profiles in preschool autistic children receiving early intervention (age range, 2-7 years old; sample size N = 67). We also examined the association between phenotypic pre-intervention characteristics and response to intervention using Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). Baseline characteristics prior to receiving early intervention demonstrated a link between eye tracking measure of joint attention, namely better gaze accuracy, and clinical profile of autism traits, particularly better social affect/social overtures and adaptive functioning. Further, better receptive and expressive language, visual reception and fine motor skills, and higher development quotients on a visual processing task, were found to be associated with more accurate eye movements on a joint attention task. Predictors of improvement in autistic traits post-intervention included higher age at entry to intervention and baseline developmental functioning. Specifically, social affect was found to change in the same direction as cognitive functioning post-ESDM intervention, especially with regard to visual reception, fine motor and receptive language skills. The findings also suggest that better social affect and joint attention, characterised by better social overtures and maintenance of attention, are predictive of more accurate eye gaze in a social exercise, thereby making these potential intervention targets in early intervention.

Journal of Neurodevelopmental DisordersVol. 18(1)
Queensland Health (AU), Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (AU), UNSW Sydney (AU), Sydney Local Health District (AU), South Western Sydney Local Health District (AU)
Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Australian Government, Medical Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
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