Abstract Details

Title Do the Eyes Have It? Apraxia and Oculomotor Control in Autism

Topic Child Neurology/Developmental Neurobiology

Presentation(s) IN4 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 005

Objective

Background Autism research has demonstrated deficits in gait, balance, motor planning and motor coordination, but little research has investigated oculomotor function. Available data is inconsistent, however several studies suggest that children with ASD struggle with oculomotor control. Many children with ASD also struggle performing learned, skilled movements (i.e. apraxia). Studies have shown an association between basic motor function and apraxia, but the relationship between oculomotor function and apraxia is unknown.

Design/Methods 40 adolescents age 8-15 (20 ASD and 20 TD) were administered a battery of standardized tests including the Beery VMI and supplemental tests of Visual Perception and Motor Coordination. IQ and social development was also tested. Saccade parameters were examined with a simple, single target paradigm and measured with the Eyelink 1000 remote eye-tracking system. Apraxia was assessed with a 30-item test designed to evaluate three subtypes of apraxia and basic motor function.

Results ASD children displayed deficits in VMI, motor coordination, fine motor and gross motor skills compared to TD children. Ideational and buccofacial apraxia were greater in ASD. ASD children made more saccades, and their saccades showed increased latency and decreased accuracy. Ideational apraxia was negatively correlated with saccadic control as well as measures of social skill.

Conclusions The increased variability of timing and decreased accuracy of eye movements in ASD, suggests poorer oculomotor control. These deficits are associated with apraxia suggesting that a generalized praxis defect contributes to oculomotor control deficits. Similarly, the association of apraxia with tests of social skills suggests that praxis deficits may contribute to the development of social deficits.

Authors/Disclosures
Michael Miller PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Doris A. Trauner, MD (Univ. of California San Diego)	No disclosure on file
Nicholas J. Maragakis, MD, FAAN (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)	Dr. Maragakis has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for UptoDate. Dr. Maragakis has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Maragakis has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Amylyx. An immediate family member of Dr. Maragakis has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for National Basketball Association. Dr. Maragakis has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Akava. An immediate family member of Dr. Maragakis has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. Dr. Maragakis has stock in Akava. The institution of Dr. Maragakis has received research support from NIH/NINDS. The institution of Dr. Maragakis has received research support from Department of Defense. The institution of Dr. Maragakis has received research support from Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund. Dr. Maragakis has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.

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