Related Experiment Videos
Oculomotor findings in autistic children
U Rosenhall1, E Johansson, C Gillberg
1Department of Audiology and Otolaryngology, Sahlgren's Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
Oculomotor tests and auditory brainstem response audiometry revealed abnormalities in 73% of children with infantile autism. These findings suggest potential brainstem and pontocerebellar dysfunction in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Infantile autism and autistic-like conditions can present with neurological abnormalities.
- Oculomotor function and brainstem auditory pathways are sensitive indicators of neurological integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oculomotor function and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in children diagnosed with infantile autism or autistic-like conditions.
- To identify potential neurological correlates of autism spectrum disorder using these neurophysiological measures.
Main Methods:
- Eleven children with infantile autism or autistic-like conditions underwent oculomotor testing, specifically measuring voluntary horizontal saccades.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry was performed on the same cohort.
- Analysis focused on saccade metrics (hypometria, velocity) and ABR waveform characteristics.
Main Results:
- Abnormalities in voluntary saccade function were detected in 6 out of 11 (55%) patients, characterized by hypometria and reduced saccadic velocity.
- Abnormal ABR results, indicative of brainstem dysfunction, were observed in 5 out of 11 patients.
- Combined oculomotor and/or ABR abnormalities were present in 8 out of 11 (73%) of the children studied.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant oculomotor and brainstem auditory pathway dysfunction in a majority of children with infantile autism.
- These findings suggest underlying central nervous system abnormalities, potentially involving the pontocerebellum and brainstem.
- Oculomotor and ABR assessments may serve as valuable tools for identifying neurological dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract:
Eleven children with infantile autism or autistic-like conditions were examined with oculomotor tests and with auditory brainstem response audiometry. Measurements of voluntary, horizontal non-predictable saccades showed that the eye motor function was abnormal in six (55 per cent) of the eleven patients. The saccades were hypometric in all six instances and the saccadic velocity was reduced in four instances. The abnormalities observed are consistent with brain dysfunction, in most cases probably indicating pontocerebellar involvement. In five instances ABR was found to be abnormal which indicates brainstem dysfunction. Oculomotor dysfunction and/or ABR abnormality was observed in eight (73 per cent) of the patients studied.