ASSOCIATED CURRENT STUDIES
The Development of
Visual Processing in Autism
Dr.
Kirsten O’Hearn, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Mentored
Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
Object recognition is
an essential function of the human visual system. People with autism
may display atypical object recognition, especially with certain objects
(e.g., animates, faces). The studies define the developmental
trajectory of object recognition, and explore how development is
atypical in autism. Recent evidence indicates that the structure and
the function of occipitotemproal areas continues to mature through
adolescence, suggesting that object recognition skills supported by
these brain regions show prolonged maturation. However, it is not yet
clear what aspects of object recognition are maturing during this
time.
The present
application proposes to:
1.
Identify components of object recognition that develop late
2.
Characterize changes in brain function related to this behavioral
development
3.
Describe atypical object recognition skills in autism
Initial behavioral studies will test possible correlates of this late
maturation on brain function, including improved recognition of
individuals and a shift from relying on features to configural or
holistic information. A neuroimaging study will then examine the
hypothesis that increased skill using configural information underlies
late age-related changes in functional activation. In addition to
characterizing typical development, we will examine the deficits in
object recognition in people with autism.
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Investigators
Associated Current Studies
Diffusion Tensor Tracking
Language Processing
Visual Processing
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy
Facial Recognition Intervention