Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
05:32
Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
[Does the Fragmented Images Test measure locally oriented visual processing in autism spectrum disorders?].
Armin Scheurich1, Andreas Fellgiebel, Mattias J Müller
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin, Universität Mainz, Mainz. scheurich@psychiatrie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Summary
The Fragmented Pictures Test (FBT) effectively identifies local processing preferences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A difference score between FBT and Embedded Figures Test (EFT) performance distinguishes ASD from control groups.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with a cognitive phenotype characterized by local processing, also known as weak central coherence.
- This local processing preference suggests individuals with ASD may focus on details rather than the overall picture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the Fragmented Pictures Test (FBT) can effectively measure the local processing preference in individuals with ASD.
- To compare FBT performance in ASD patients with those in individuals with depression, schizophrenia, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- The study compared the performance of 15 ASD patients, 16 depression patients, 16 schizophrenia patients, and 16 control subjects on the FBT.
- Additional assessments included the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) and the Block Design Test (BDT), known measures of local processing.
Main Results:
- ASD patients exhibited a significant preference for local processing.
- While FBT performance indicated difficulties in global processing (gestalt perception), performance on EFT and BDT was strong, as anticipated.
- After controlling for age and nonverbal intelligence using ANCOVA, differences became trends, but a difference score (FBT minus EFT) remained significant between ASD and control groups.
Conclusions:
- The Fragmented Pictures Test (FBT) is a valuable tool for exploring local visual processing in individuals with ASD.
- A specific criterion, derived from the difference between FBT and EFT scores, can reliably differentiate individuals with ASD from both clinical and healthy control groups.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Visual Agnosia
Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round end"...
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.