Perceptual integration and visual object recognition in children with high functioning autism

Background: Although defects in social and communicative functioning are the most obvious features in autistic children, there is evidence suggesting that unusual perceptual processing is at least a concomitant and possible cause of many of the behavioral signs and symptoms of autism spectrum. In the present study, the perceptual integration of autistic children was studied. These processes require perceptual coherence in visual structure in a holistic manner.

Methods: 25 high-functioning autistic and 25 neuro-typical boys were assessed in term of visual perceptual processing. Visual stimuli included fragmented (incomplete) and complete object images that were presented in a monitor. The subject’s task was rapid and accurate naming of images that were seen. Responses were compared by independent t-test. Also, the effect of completeness factor and group type on the samples’ visual processing was analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance.

Results: The autistic children had lower function in naming the fragmented picture, however, both groups were equivalent in recognition of the complete image. On the other hand, all subjects in this study performed better in naming the complete images compared with the fragmented images. Also, the interaction effect of image type and group on visual processing was significant.

Conclusion: Defect in recognition of fragmented images can be indicative of disturbance of processes related to visual perceptual integration in individuals with autism. Detection of these images in autistic children was significantly different from that of normal children, that indicates weakness of processes related to visual completion and perceptual integration.