Improving the diagnostic process for autism by investigating movement signatures
Autism is prevalent. It is estimated that around 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism. Autism is typically diagnosed through diagnostic interviews; diagnostic observation protocols; and autism rating scales. Yet, autism is often un- mis- or late diagnosed. This is especially the case in (young) women. Research has shown that there is a relationship between autism and movement. People with autism display movement coordination patterns that are distinctly different from their neurotypical peers. This can for instance be observed in their gait kinematics; fine- and gross motor coordination; handwriting; hand-eye coordination; balance; flexibility; motor praxis; and more. Because these motor coordination patterns are unique for people with autism, they are also referred to as 'movement signatures'. In this research we set out to use these motor signatures to improve the diagnostic process for autism. Through the design and development of rich interactive task settings, we elicit motor behaviours that are (potentially) indicative of autism.
Contact person:
Dees Postma
d.b.w.postma@utwente.nl
Period:
01/01/2024 – 01/01/2030