A new groundbreaking study has made significant progress by identifying the early sensorimotor characteristics related to cognitive ability in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kristina Denisova, an expert psychologist and neuroscientist from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at CUNY Graduate Center, led the research. This study, published in iSCIENCE, represents a major advancement in the field of autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, typically diagnosed at 4 to 5 years of age, generally features a combination of six developmental disabilities. In most instances, it includes odd communication skills and restricted, stereotypical patterns of behavior. Another key point worth noting is that cognitive performances are highly variable among people with ASD. A good number of them often have lower Intelligence Quotients (IQs) compared to their developmentally normal peers. Despite a well-defined relationship between lower IQs in infancy and later ASD development, not all children with ASD show lower cognitive abilities early on. This paper addresses an empirical research question. It fills a critical knowledge gap. The study identifies early features that distinguish between lower and higher cognitive abilities in children who later develop ASD.
The researchers concluded that they explored the link between motor function and sensorimotor integration. They examined these aspects during rest or sleep. They also measured these abilities while the toddlers were awake. This investigation took place before the toddlers received an ASD diagnosis.
The ASD and low IQ children show different motor activity during the sleep state as compared to children with high IQ. Whether any signatory differences exist in motor abilities between ASD and low IQ children as compared to high IQ children during the awakening state of the toddlers
The study was done in two different stages, for the analysis to be comprehensive. First, researchers conducted studies on sensorimotor features using sleep fMRI with a sample of 111 ASD toddlers. They investigated how these sleep-related sensorimotor characteristics might relate to cognitive functioning. In the second step, they assessed sensorimotor functioning during wakefulness in an independent sample of over 1,000 ASD toddlers. The second sample was further categorized based on cognitive functioning into lower and higher IQ groups.
The results revealed that sensorimotor features were significantly different only in toddlers with lower IQs compared to their higher-IQ counterparts. Importantly, the sensorimotor features of higher-IQ ASD toddlers were almost indistinguishable from those of typically developing toddlers.This result indicates that higher IQ confers some degree of protection against atypical sensorimotor functioning. On the other hand, poor sensorimotor functioning can be a specific marker for low IQ in childhood autism.
ASD toddlers with lower IQs consistently lag behind in gross motor skills at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months of age. The lag suggests that early sensorimotor learning may be disrupted during critical developmental periods. Disruption likely affects brain regions involved in motor control. This finding supports the link between lower cognitive processes and this vulnerability. It reveals that motor issues connect with lower-order cognitive functions in toddlers who later receive an ASD diagnosis.
Professor Kristina Denisova said, “The results of our analyses again point towards the far-reaching implications that these findings may have. They underline the urgently needed development of intervention means that should be briefer and more focused for children with ASD, especially with lower cognitive abilities. Children with lower IQ may need to demonstrate improvement in both sensorimotor and cognitive abilities. Interventions for higher IQ children with autism, in contrast, may need to focus on assistively leveraging their strengths to work on aspects involved with reducing and mitigating the potential effects of poorer mental health.”
Denisova strongly recommends continuing research in this area. She emphasizes the need to focus on underserved families who struggle to access early intervention services. The findings indicate that we must expand access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds should benefit from the latest advancements in autism research and treatment. Ensuring wider access will help all children enjoy the advantages of new knowledge in the field.
The study’s results could significantly impact future research and therapy for ASD. They may lead to more personalized and effective treatments. Identifying and addressing early sensorimotor markers could prevent the development of dysfunctional behaviors. This approach aims to improve outcomes for children with autism and their families.
ANI