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Do Infant Heart Rate Variability and Visual Attention Predict Autism and Concerns for ADHD?
Emma M Jaisle1, Erica D Musser2, Maylinn Yon1
1Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|June 17, 2025
Summary
Infant visual attention patterns predict later ADHD symptoms. Heart rate variability (HRV) combined with social attention may also indicate ADHD risk, but not autism.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Early identification of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism is crucial.
- Understanding early behavioral and physiological markers can inform timely interventions.
- Infant attention and heart rate patterns are potential early indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if infant visual attention and heart rate variability (HRV) at 12-18 months predict ADHD or autism symptoms in preschool years.
- To determine if HRV moderates the relationship between visual attention and later ADHD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Ninety infants (12-18 months) completed an eye-tracking task with social and non-social stimuli.
- Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of HRV, was measured.
- Participants were assessed between 24-65 months and categorized into ADHD Concerns, Autism, or Comparison groups.
Main Results:
- Infants later diagnosed with ADHD Concerns showed less overall looking time and less attention to social stimuli compared to controls.
- HRV reactivity moderated the link between infant social attention and preschool ADHD symptoms.
- No significant predictive patterns were found for autism.
Conclusions:
- Distinct infant visual attention patterns predict preschool ADHD symptoms.
- HRV, in conjunction with social attention, may offer predictive value for early ADHD.
- Neither visual attention nor HRV patterns independently predicted autism in this cohort.
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