Cited by 163Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchWilliams Syndrome ResearchDevelopmental and Educational Neuropsychology

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Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis

Muth, Anne, Hönekopp, Johannes, Falter, Christine M.·2014·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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Abstract

Visuo-spatial skills are believed to be enhanced in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This meta-analysis tests the current state of evidence for Figure Disembedding, Block Design, Mental Rotation and Navon tasks in ASD and neurotypicals. Block Design (d = 0.32) and Figure Disembedding (d = 0.26) showed superior performance for ASD with large heterogeneity that is unaccounted for. No clear differences were found for Mental Rotation. ASD samples showed a stronger local processing preference for Navon tasks (d = 0.35); less clear evidence for performance differences of a similar magnitude emerged. We discuss the meta-analysis results together with other findings relating to visuo-spatial processing and three cognitive theories of ASD: Weak Central Coherence, Enhanced Perceptual Functioning and Extreme Male Brain theory.

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Authors: Muth, A., Hönekopp, J., & Falter, C. M.
Affiliations: Bangor University (GB)
Northumbria University (GB)
University Hospital Cologne (DE)
Corresponding author: Muth, Anne
ORCID: Muth, Anne
Hönekopp, Johannes
Venue: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published: 2014-07-15
Volume: 44
Issue: 12
Pages: 3245-3263
ISSN: 0162-3257 (ISSN-L)
1573-3432
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2188-5
OpenAlex: W2082445603
Cited by: 163
References: 100
Citations by year: 2026: 10 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 16
FWCI: 1.42
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Kölner Universitäts PublikationsServer (Universität zu Köln) (publishedVersion)
Northumbria Research Link (Northumbria University) (acceptedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Williams Syndrome Research
Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, visuospatial ability, block designs, mental rotation, Navon task, weak central coherence, extreme male brain theory
MeSH terms: Autistic Disorder, Child, Humans, Photic Stimulation, Psychomotor Performance

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Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis

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