Neurobehavioral abnormalities in first-degree relatives of individuals with autism.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Studying sensorimotor and neurocognitive impairments in unaffected family members of individuals with autism may help identify familial pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the disorder.

Objective

To determine whether atypical sensorimotor or neurocognitive characteristics associated with autism are present in first-degree relatives of individuals with autism.

Design

Case-control comparison of neurobehavioral functions.

Setting

University medical center.

Participants

Fifty-seven first-degree relatives of individuals with autism and 40 age-, sex-, and IQ-matched healthy control participants (aged 8-54 years).

Main outcome measures

Oculomotor tests of sensorimotor responses (saccades and smooth pursuit); procedural learning and resp

SUBMITTER: Mosconi MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3145411 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature