Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 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
Brief report: the relationship between visual acuity, the embedded figures test and systemizing in autism spectrum
Mark J Brosnan1, Lucy R Gwilliam, Ian Walker
1Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK. M.J.Brosnan@Bath.ac.uk
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|March 28, 2012
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show enhanced visual acuity and attention to detail, supporting the Extreme Male Brain theory. Visual acuity most strongly predicts performance on the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by distinct cognitive profiles, including enhanced performance on the Embedded Figures Test (EFT).
- The Extreme Male Brain (EMB) theory posits that enhanced visual acuity in autism leads to superior attention to detail, a foundation for systemizing.
- Empirical validation of the link between visual acuity, EFT performance, and systemizing in ASD is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between visual acuity, attention to detail (EFT performance), and systemizing ability in males with ASD.
- To test predictions derived from the Extreme Male Brain theory of autism.
Main Methods:
- 13 males with ASD and 13 male controls completed tasks assessing visual acuity, EFT performance, and systemizing.
- Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between these measures.
Main Results:
- The ASD group demonstrated significantly higher visual acuity, EFT performance, and systemizing ability compared to controls.
- Regression analysis indicated that visual acuity was the strongest predictor of EFT performance.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the Extreme Male Brain theory by demonstrating enhanced visual acuity and attention to detail in males with ASD.
- Visual acuity appears to be a critical factor underpinning enhanced performance on tasks requiring attention to detail in autism spectrum disorder.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Visual System
Light enters the eye through the cornea, a transparent, dome-shaped surface covering the surface of the eyeball that helps to direct and focus incoming light. This light is then channeled toward the pupil, an adjustable opening whose size is controlled by the iris. The iris, a pigmented muscle, regulates the amount of light entering the eye by contracting or dilating the pupil, thereby ensuring optimal light levels for clear vision.
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...
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.
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"...