Duration of Moment in Autism

The study is a multicenter research project that aims to investigate the temporal dynamics of visual perception and attention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including both prototypical and non-prototypical subgroups. It compares these groups to age-matched neurotypical peers. The study focuses on two distinct cognitive phenomena:

Temporal Integration Window (TIW) : a pre-attentive perceptual mechanism that determines the time frame within which visual information is integrated into a unified percept. In typically developing adults, this window is estimated to be around 65 milliseconds. Prior research suggests that children with ASD may have a shorter TIW, indicating faster perceptual sampling.

Attentional Blink (AB) : a post-perceptual phenomenon reflecting limitations in attentional resources. When two targets are presented in rapid succession, the second target is often missed if it follows too closely after the first. The duration of the attentional blink is thought to decrease with age and maturation. Previous studies have shown that attentional blink is already present at 5 months of age and shortens during development.

The central hypothesis is that both TIW and AB durations might be shorter in children with ASD, reflecting faster perceptual and attentional processing. This accelerated dynamic could contribute to sensory hypersensitivity and difficulty coping with complex or unpredictable environments, such as those involving social stimuli.

A total of 228 children will participate, divided into six groups.

Each participant will complete two eye-tracking tasks during a single session lasting approximately one hour:

• The TIW task
• The Attentional Blink task

Developmental level is assessed using validated tools: the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, VINELAND-2 or the IDE questionnaire, depending on the child's group.

The study will also examine whether the prototypical ASD subgroup, as defined by clinical criteria shows distinct perceptual profiles, and whether age or developmental level influences temporal dynamics.

This study aims to better understand early perceptual and attentional processes in autism.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 3 or 5 years
• Either with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or typically developing (neurotypical)
• No intellectual disability (per Mullen, Denver, or psychometric report)
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing
• Written informed consent from legal guardians
• Legal guardians affiliated to a French social security plan
• For ASD group only : classification as prototypical or non-prototypical based on clinical evaluation

Exclusion criteria

• Neurological disorder
• Parental or child refusal to participate
• For neurotypical children: developmental delay or psychiatric diagnosis