Predictable visual stimuli as an early indicator for autism spectrum disorder in children

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience social communication impairments and engage in restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Early identification of these symptoms is critical for timely intervention, but detecting RRBs, in particular, remains a challenge. Previous studies using eye-tracking methods have revealed that children with ASD tend to favor non-social stimuli over social ones, a preference that aligns with ASD symptoms. However, the developmental timeline of this preference—especially regarding repetitive versus random movements—remains poorly understood. Research has shown that children with ASD may spend more time observing repetitive movements, a key characteristic of RRBs, but the underlying reasons for this preference and how it evolves over time remain unclear. This gap in understanding presents a significant challenge for accurately diagnosing and addressing the sensory and behavioral traits associated with ASD in young children.

To address this gap, a recent study conducted by Associate Professor Mikimasa Omori from the Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, utilized eye-tracking methods to examine the developmental timeline of children's preferences for repetitive versus random movements. The study employed a preferential-looking paradigm to examine whether children with potential ASD demonstrated longer observation durations for predictable movements compared to typically developing (TD) children. Participants were presented with pairs of geometric stimuli featuring predictable (one-stroke sketch) and unpredictable (multi-stroke sketch) movements, which were freely observed side-by-side. An article describing this research was published in Scientific Reports on February 7, 2025.

“This study revealed that children with potential ASD spent significantly more time observing predictable movements,” says Omori. Unlike the TD children, who did not show a shift in their observation patterns, children with potential ASD demonstrated a gradual increase in their focus on the predictable movements as the stimulus presentation progressed. This suggests that children with potential ASD may develop a preference for predictable movements over time, which aligns with the repetitive behavior characteristic of the disorder. The results further indicate that the preference for predictable movements in children with potential ASD may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships between movement trajectories and the anticipation of complete shapes.

Currently, early detection of ASD typically focuses on social communication deficits, such as eye contact and language delays. However, identifying a preference for predictable movements could serve as an early indicator of ASD in children as young as three years old. “This approach could be particularly valuable for children who remain underdiagnosed until later childhood, providing a more efficient method for early detection,” explains Omori. Additionally, the study's procedure, which does not require verbal responses, could be adapted for children under 18 months. Given that most children in Japan undergo developmental checkups at 18 and 36 months, introducing a brief, two-minute video observation task during these checkups could help identify children at risk for ASD and support early intervention.

Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of how sensory and behavioral traits associated with ASD manifest in young children. The study’s use of eye-tracking methods provides valuable insight into how children with ASD perceive and engage with repetitive versus random stimuli, a key aspect of their RRBs. “This study highlights the potential utility of predictable movement stimuli as a behavioral marker for early ASD screening and underscores the essential need for further research into predictive processing in children with ASD,” concludes Omori.

***

Reference

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89171-1

Authors: Mikimasa Omori

Affiliations: Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan

About Waseda University
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Waseda University is a leading private research university that has long been dedicated to academic excellence, innovative research, and civic engagement at both the local and global levels since 1882. The University has produced many changemakers in its history, including nine prime ministers and many leaders in business, science and technology, literature, sports, and film. Waseda has strong collaborations with overseas research institutions and is committed to advancing cutting-edge research and developing leaders who can contribute to the resolution of complex, global social issues. The University has set a target for achieving a zero-carbon campus by 2032, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. 

To learn more about Waseda University, visit https://www.waseda.jp/top/en  

About Associate Professor Mikimasa Omori
Mikimasa Omori is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Human Sciences at Waseda University. He earned his Master's and Ph.D. degrees from the Graduate School of Human Relations, Keio University. His research interests focus on developmental and clinical psychology, behavioral analysis, and early intervention strategies. Omori is a member of the International Society for Autism Research and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. His work has been published in prominent journals such as Scientific Reports and PLoS ONE, and he is currently leading multiple research projects aimed at improving diagnostic methods for developmental disabilities.