Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

Visual function and autism spectrum disorder

Marie Pieron1,2, Sasha Dehollander2,3,4, Nina Helft2

  • 1INCC, CNRS UMR 8002, Paris, France.

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|June 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Vision deficits are common in autistic children and may impact development. Early screening and management of visual issues can benefit autistic children

Area of Science:

  • Developmental psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Vision is crucial for cognitive and relational development from birth.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by communication and social interaction challenges, stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests.
  • Visual deficits are observed in autistic children but are not exclusive to ASD, appearing in other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the role of vision in cognitive and social development in children.
  • To review visual function disorders in autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • To highlight the benefits of early visual screening and management for autistic children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on vision, cognitive development, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Analysis of visual function deficits in autism spectrum disorder.
  • Comparison of visual deficits in ASD with other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Main Results:

  • Visual deficits are frequently observed in children with autism spectrum disorder.
  • These visual deficits are not specific to autism and are also present in other neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Visual function plays a significant role in cognitive and social development.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and management of visual impairments are crucial for autistic children.
  • Addressing visual deficits may support cognitive and social development in ASD.
  • Further research into visual function in neurodevelopmental disorders is warranted.

Keywords:
AutismAutism spectrum disorderCerebral visual impairmentNeurodevelopmental disordersVisual function

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