Sensitivity and specificity of pupillary light reflex measures for ASD using monocular pupillometry.

INTRODUCTION: Automated hand-held pupillometry demonstrates precision accuracy, offering promise for augmenting ASD screening. METHODS: Monocular pupillometry was examined in children and adolescents (36 ASD; 24 TD). Multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed PLR metrics and diagnostic status. RESULTS: Constriction time (Ct1) (ASD: M = 0.69, SD = 0.21; TD: M = 0.82, SD = 0.18; t(58 = 2.37; p = 0.02) and return to baseline (RTB T75) (ASD: M = 2.93, SD = 1.21; TD: M = 2.32, SD = 1.08; t(58) = - 2.03; p = 0.04) predicted ASD (ß = - 1.31, OR = 0.27; RTB T75, ß = 0.156, OR = 1.162). Sensitivity = 74.8%, when RTB ≥ 1.83 s and 69.4% when Ct1 = 0.785 s. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest monocular pupillometry captures differences detecting ASD.

Promoting imitation in young children with autism: a comparison of reciprocal imitation training and video modeling.

The inability to imitate is a salient diagnostic marker for autism. It has been suggested that for children with autism, imitation may be a prerequisite skill that can assist in the development of various skills. Using a multiple baseline design across subjects, the purpose of this research was to determine if two interventions, reciprocal imitation training and video modeling were effective in promoting imitation acquisition in young children with autism. Six boys were matched across various features (i.e., age, language, autism severity) and randomly placed in a treatment condition. Results indicated that all six participants increased their imitation skills to varying degrees in both conditions, and imitation maintained and generalized at higher than baseline levels post treatment.