OBJECTIVE: Genetic and neurofunctional research in autism has highlighted the need for improved characterization of the core social disorder defining the broad spectrum of syndrome manifestations. METHOD: This article reviews the advantages and limitations of current methods for the refinement and quantification of this highly heterogeneous social phenotype. RESULTS: The study of social visual pursuit by use of eye-tracking technology is offered as a paradigm for novel tools incorporating these requirements and as a research effort that builds on the emerging synergy of different branches of social neuroscience. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in the area will require increased consideration of processes underlying experimental results and a closer approximation of experimental methods to the naturalistic demands inherent in real-life social situations.
OBJECTIVE: Genetic and neurofunctional research in autism has highlighted the need for improved characterization of the core social disorder defining the broad spectrum of syndrome manifestations. METHOD: This article reviews the advantages and limitations of current methods for the refinement and quantification of this highly heterogeneous social phenotype. RESULTS: The study of social visual pursuit by use of eye-tracking technology is offered as a paradigm for novel tools incorporating these requirements and as a research effort that builds on the emerging synergy of different branches of social neuroscience. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in the area will require increased consideration of processes underlying experimental results and a closer approximation of experimental methods to the naturalistic demands inherent in real-life social situations.
Authors: Catherine Lord; Eva Petkova; Vanessa Hus; Weijin Gan; Feihan Lu; Donna M Martin; Opal Ousley; Lisa Guy; Raphael Bernier; Jennifer Gerdts; Molly Algermissen; Agnes Whitaker; James S Sutcliffe; Zachary Warren; Ami Klin; Celine Saulnier; Ellen Hanson; Rachel Hundley; Judith Piggot; Eric Fombonne; Mandy Steiman; Judith Miles; Stephen M Kanne; Robin P Goin-Kochel; Sarika U Peters; Edwin H Cook; Stephen Guter; Jennifer Tjernagel; Lee Anne Green-Snyder; Somer Bishop; Amy Esler; Katherine Gotham; Rhiannon Luyster; Fiona Miller; Jennifer Olson; Jennifer Richler; Susan Risi Journal: Arch Gen Psychiatry Date: 2011-11-07
Authors: Sarah J Paterson; Sabine Heim; Jennifer Thomas Friedman; Naseem Choudhury; April A Benasich Journal: Neurosci Biobehav Rev Date: 2006-08-04 Impact factor: 8.989