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Motor anticipation failure in infants with autism: a retrospective analysis of feeding situations
Julie Brisson1, Petra Warreyn, Josette Serres
1Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris-Descartes, France. julie_brisson@yahoo.fr
Insights
Infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a motor anticipation deficit, evidenced by not opening their mouths for a spoon. This early sign may aid in autism detection during infancy.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research
Background:
- Previous research indicates motor anticipation deficits in children and adults with autism.
- Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for timely intervention.
- Understanding early developmental markers can significantly improve diagnostic timelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate early signs of motor anticipation deficits in infants.
- To determine if mouth-opening anticipation during spoon-feeding can be an early indicator of ASD.
- To explore the potential of using everyday feeding situations for early autism detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of home video recordings of infants aged 4–6 months.
- Comparison of anticipatory mouth-opening behavior during spoon-feeding between infants later diagnosed with ASD (n=13) and typically developing infants (n=14).
- Behavioral observation focused on the infant's response to the approaching spoon.
Main Results:
- Infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibited a significant deficit in anticipatory mouth-opening.
- This anticipatory deficit was observable as early as 4–6 months of age.
- The findings suggest a distinct early motor pattern associated with ASD.
Conclusions:
- A lack of anticipatory mouth-opening during spoon-feeding is an early potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Observing feeding interactions offers a non-invasive method for early autism detection.
- Further research can refine this method for clinical application in early ASD screening.
Abstract:
Previous studies on autism have shown a lack of motor anticipation in children and adults with autism. As part of a programme of research into early detection of autism, we focussed on an everyday situation: spoon-feeding. We hypothesize that an anticipation deficit may be found very early on by observing whether the baby opens his or her mouth in anticipation of the spoon's approach. The study is based on a retrospective analysis from family home movies. Observation of infants later diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 13) and infants with typical development (n = 14) between 4 and 6 months old show that the autism/ASD group has an early anticipation deficit.
