This project will use eye tracking technology in order to gain a deeper understanding of what captures attention in females with autism spectrum disorder. One theory of why fewer females than males are diagnosed with autism is that females are more adept at compensating for, or camouflaging, their autism symptoms. Therefore, specific research methods and stimuli need to be developed for males and females. Dr. Harrop is using eye tracking technology to determine what captures each person’s attention. Video clips are recorded to show children interacting with varying “levels of sociability,” (different numbers of people in different situations), as well as showing children playing with objects that are traditionally targeted at either male or female interests. By understanding what boys and girls pay attention to in social situations, this study will address how more effective instruments can be developed to detect and better understand sex-specific differences in autism and identify factors that may underlie the lower rates of autism in females.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
