Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis

Anne Muth; Johannes Honekopp; Christine Falter

doi:10.1007/s10803-014-2188-5

Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis

Anne Muth, Johannes Honekopp, Christine Falter

Psychology Department

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

123 Citations (Scopus)

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Abstract

Visuo-spatial skills are believed to be enhanced in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This meta-analysis tests the current state of evidence for Figure Disembedding, Block Design, Mental Rotation and Navon tasks in ASD and neurotypicals. Block Design (d = 0.32) and Figure Disembedding (d = 0.26) showed superior performance for ASD with large heterogeneity that is unaccounted for. No clear differences were found for Mental Rotation. ASD samples showed a stronger local processing preference for Navon tasks (d = 0.35); less clear evidence for performance differences of a similar magnitude emerged. We discuss the meta-analysis results together with other findings relating to visuo-spatial processing and three cognitive theories of ASD: Weak Central Coherence, Enhanced Perceptual Functioning and Extreme Male Brain theory.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	3245-3263
Journal	Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume	44
Issue number	12
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2188-5
Publication status	Published - Dec 2014

Keywords

Autism
Visuo-spatial
Figure Disembedding
Mental Rotation
Block Design
Navon Figures

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10.1007/s10803-014-2188-5

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abstract = "Visuo-spatial skills are believed to be enhanced in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This meta-analysis tests the current state of evidence for Figure Disembedding, Block Design, Mental Rotation and Navon tasks in ASD and neurotypicals. Block Design (d = 0.32) and Figure Disembedding (d = 0.26) showed superior performance for ASD with large heterogeneity that is unaccounted for. No clear differences were found for Mental Rotation. ASD samples showed a stronger local processing preference for Navon tasks (d = 0.35); less clear evidence for performance differences of a similar magnitude emerged. We discuss the meta-analysis results together with other findings relating to visuo-spatial processing and three cognitive theories of ASD: Weak Central Coherence, Enhanced Perceptual Functioning and Extreme Male Brain theory.",

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KW - Mental Rotation

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Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis

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Keywords

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