Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
17.0K
Sensory Processing of Time and Space in Autistic Children
Franz Coelho1,2, Belén Rando3, Mariana Salgado2
1Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Children with autism exhibit slower but more accurate responses in temporal tasks, prioritizing accuracy over speed. This suggests temporal processing influences decision-making, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Cognitive psychology
- Sensory processing research
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked to atypical sensory processing, impacting spatial and temporal perception.
- Understanding these sensory differences is crucial for developing effective support strategies.
- This study investigates visuospatial and temporal processing in young children with autism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine sensory processing, specifically visuospatial and temporal perception, in children with autism.
- To compare the performance of children with autism to neurotypical controls across different modalities.
- To identify potential cognitive strategies employed by children with autism during sensory tasks.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-two children (ages 4-6) participated: autism group (n=32), neurotypical chronological age-matched controls (n=28), and neurotypical developmental age-matched controls (n=32).
- Participants completed computer-based visuospatial and temporal processing tasks (visual and auditory modalities).
- Response accuracy and reaction times were systematically recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Children with autism showed significantly higher accuracy in temporal tasks (visual and auditory) compared to both control groups.
- Accuracy in visuospatial tasks was comparable between the autism group and controls.
- The autism group exhibited slower reaction times across all tested tasks, indicating a speed-accuracy trade-off.
Conclusions:
- Temporal processing, not sensory modality, appears to be a key factor influencing decision-making strategies in children with autism.
- Findings suggest a cognitive style prioritizing accuracy over speed in autistic children.
- Interventions should align with this slower, accurate processing style to support social interaction, reduce stress, and enhance adaptive skills in sensory-rich environments.
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