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Spatial navigation in autism spectrum disorders: a critical review
1School of Psychology, University of Nottingham , Nottingham, UK.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 11, 2015
Summary
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not excel at spatial navigation as theorized. A review of studies reveals both strengths and weaknesses in navigational abilities for individuals with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Autistic cognitive profiles are often theorized to include strengths in spatial navigation.
- Previous claims of navigational superiority in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) lack thorough empirical examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing scientific literature on spatial navigation abilities in individuals with ASD.
- To critically evaluate claims of navigational strengths in ASD by examining empirical data.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published studies focusing on navigation in ASD populations.
- Inclusion of studies assessing wayfinding, large-scale search, and path integration.
Main Results:
- The review identified a mixed pattern of navigational abilities in individuals with ASD.
- Both enhanced and impaired spatial navigation skills were observed across different tasks.
Conclusions:
- A nuanced understanding of spatial behavior in ASD is necessary, moving beyond simplistic assumptions of inherent navigational superiority.
- Further research is required to comprehensively map the complexities of spatial cognition and navigation in autism spectrum disorder.
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