Perception of Biological Motion

Perceptual skills in autism can be observed with biological motion, visual motion, and auditory skills (Freitag, et al 2008). Limited perceptual abilities can further impact the social relatedness of individuals suffering from ASD. Miller-Kuhaneck (2004) identified imitation as a keystone of communication and basis for more advanced development. Typically developing individuals use imitation for gross motor skills, verbal tasks and body language. Freitag et al. (2008) implicated the use of fMRI and identified a hypoactivation of neuronal cells in the inferior parietal lobes (IPL) compared to the control group. The parietal lobe is responsible for language processing as well as sensory processing -acting like a GPS for our body. A less active IPL could elicit difficulty with proprioceptive tasks, or identifying limbs in space. Hypoactivation of the IPL suggests why ASD individuals struggle with motor control, balance activities, and diadochokinesis. Freitag et al (2008) identified proprioceptive was positively identified in ASD individuals, however they required greater reaction time to process the information. Some behavioral patterns in of ASD could include “clumsiness”, difficulty with balance activities for sports and team play (kicking a ball, bowling, dodge ball, etc) and decreased muscle tone.

How does all this relate to communication?

A person with ASD requires an increased reaction time to the physical patterns above, further challenging their ability for successful social interactions with peers. Patterns of movement as well as language skills require an increased reaction time, making learning more challenging. The typically developing child is able to keep pace in normal classroom settings while the ASD individual requires more time for similar learning. Again, this challenges his opportunities for social interaction and time to practice imitation skills.