Time perception and autistic spectrum condition: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Autism Research

Background:

• Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is often associated with difficulties in timing and time perception.
• Existing research presents a lack of consensus regarding the nature and extent of timing impairments in autistic individuals.
• Varied methodologies and timing processes studied contribute to the ambiguity in current literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and organize existing literature on timing and time perception in autism spectrum condition.
• To identify consistencies and inconsistencies in findings across different types of timing abilities.
• To provide a foundation for future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 597 records from five electronic databases was conducted.
• 45 selected papers were analyzed and categorized based on timing abilities: time sensitivity, interval timing, and higher-order time perception.
• Cognitive models, methodologies, and results were discussed for each category.

Main Results:

• Inconsistent findings were observed across different timing abilities studied in autism.
• A higher consistency of atypical time perception was noted in studies focusing on higher-order time perception.
• No definitive conclusion was reached regarding a fundamental time perception impairment in autism.

Conclusions:

• The impact of autism spectrum condition on time perception is complex and task-dependent.
• Higher-level cognitive timing tasks reveal more consistent differences in autistic individuals compared to simpler timing tasks.
• Further research employing diverse timing tasks is recommended to clarify the relationship between autism and time perception.