Social Visual Engagement in Preterm and Term Children With Autism: Consistent Eye-tracking Patterns Irrespective of Gestational Age

Key Points

• The research aims to assess social visual engagement in preterm and term children with autism using eye-tracking technology.
• Evaluated toddlers with and without autism using objective eye-tracking metrics.
• Focused on social visual engagement patterns in preterm and term-born children.
• Analyzed the effects of gestational age on autism symptom presentation.
• Consistent eye-tracking patterns were observed in both preterm and term children with autism.
• Alterations in social engagement due to autism were found to be independent of prematurity-related developmental concerns.
• Findings suggest that eye-tracking can aid in early identification of autism symptoms in preterm toddlers.

Abstract