Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Paradigms for Behavioral Assessment in Drosophila Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: September 6, 2024
Developmental heterochrony and the evolution of autistic perception, cognition and behavior
1Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. crespi@sfu.ca
Background:
Autism is usually conceptualized as a disorder or disease that involves fundamentally abnormal neurodevelopment. In the present work, the hypothesis that a suite of core autism-related traits may commonly represent simple delays or non-completion of typical childhood developmental trajectories is evaluated.
Discussion:
A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that, with regard to the four phenotypes of (1) restricted interests and repetitive behavior, (2) short-range and long-range structural and functional brain connectivity, (3) global and local visual perception and processing, and (4) the presence of absolute pitch, the differences between autistic individuals and typically developing individuals closely parallel the differences between younger and older children.
Summary:
The results of this study are concordant with a model of 'developmental heterochrony', and suggest that evolutionary extension of child development along the human lineage has potentiated and structured genetic risk for autism and the expression of autistic perception, cognition and behavior.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development from Childhood into Adulthood
Schemata: Building Blocks of Knowledge
Schemata...
Evolutionary Psychology

