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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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21-01-2024 | Original Article

Similar Gap-Overlap Profiles in Children with Fragile X Syndrome and IQ-Matched Autism

Auteurs: Carla A. Wall, Frederick Shic, Elizabeth A. Will, Quan Wang, Jane E. Roberts

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 3/2025

Abstract

Purpose

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a single-gene disorder characterized by moderate to severe cognitive impairment and a high association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Atypical visual attention is a feature of FXS, ASD, and ADHD. Thus, studying early attentional patterns in young children with FXS can offer insight into early emerging neurocognitive processes underlying challenges and contribute to our understanding of common and unique features of ASD and ADHD in FXS.

Methods

The present study examined visual attention indexed by the gap-overlap paradigm in children with FXS (n = 39) compared to children with ASD matched on intellectual ability and age (n = 40) and age-matched neurotypical controls (n = 34). The relationship between gap-overlap performance and intellectual ability, ASD, and ADHD across groups was characterized. Saccadic reaction times (RT) were collected across baseline, gap, and overlap conditions.

Results

Results indicate no group differences in RT for any conditions. However, RT of the ASD and NT groups became slower throughout the experiment whereas RT of the FXS group did not change, suggesting difficulties in habituation for the FXS group. There was no relationship between RT and intellectual ability, ADHD, or ASD symptoms in the FXS and ASD groups. In the NT group, slower RT was related to elevated ADHD symptoms only.

Conclusion

Taken together, findings suggest that the social attention differences documented in FXS and ASD may be due to other cognitive factors, such as reward or motivation, rather than oculomotor control of visual attention.

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Titel: Similar Gap-Overlap Profiles in Children with Fragile X Syndrome and IQ-Matched Autism
Auteurs: Carla A. Wall
Frederick Shic
Elizabeth A. Will
Quan Wang
Jane E. Roberts
Publicatiedatum: 21-01-2024
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 3/2025
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06245-1

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Similar Gap-Overlap Profiles in Children with Fragile X Syndrome and IQ-Matched Autism

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Welkom bij Scalda & Bohn Stafleu van Loghum

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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