Cognitive and Motor Development in Autistic Children: A Multi-Modal Feasibility Study Combining Neuroimaging and Virtual Reality Paradigms

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? The use of virtual reality will produce substantial kinematic data of upper limb motor performance, including reaction time, movement time, time to peak velocity and acceleration, and normalized jerk. The neural mechanisms underlying these movements, assessed via functional near-infrared spectroscopy, will provide a deeper, neurobiological context for these kinematic data. What are the implications of the main findings? Multimodal methods incorporated into motor development and performance research are essential to establishing a comprehensive understanding of clinical populations with differences across multiple developmental domains. Combining kinematic data with neural biomarkers will lay the foundation for supplementing behavioral assessment methods in autism, as well as contribute to potential cognitive and motor intervention and support strategies using virtual reality. Abstract Background/Objectives: In both typical and atypical development, there is growing evidence that motor development sets the stage for development in other domains. This study aims to examine the feasibility of conducting cognitive and motor research-based tasks in a virtual reality (VR) environment with concurrent neuroimaging (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS) in autistic children. Methods: During a single study visit, participants will complete research-based tasks conducted in a virtual reality environment while wearing the fNIRS apparatus. Supplementary procedures will include a range of standardized assessments and questionnaires for caregivers and their children to complete. Anticipated Outcomes: These methods will yield a rich combination of data -- the kinematic data associated with performance during the research-based tasks, as well as the neural correlates underlying this performance. Conclusions: The overarching, long-term goal of this feasibility study is to explore the interrelationships between cognitive, motor, and social development in autistic children using a variety of research methodologies. A better understanding of these relationships and their neural correlates will inform future research, assessment methods, and intervention strategies across the autism spectrum.