Abstract Details

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

Topic Child Neurology/Developmental Neurobiology

Presentation(s) P02 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 101

Objective

Background 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 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 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 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
	No disclosure on file
Doris A. Trauner, MD (Univ. of California San Diego)	No disclosure on file
Krzysztof W. Selmaj (University of Warmia and Mazury)	Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Roche. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for BMS. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Astra. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Merck. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for BMS. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Astra. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Biogen. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Roche. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Novartis. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for BMS. Krzysztof W. Selmaj has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Merck.

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