In search of motor markers of autism

Researchers Dees Postma and Sander Begeer launch a study on motor markers to improve autism diagnostics.

In search of motor markers of autism

Researchers Dees Postma (UT) and Sander Begeer (VU Amsterdam) from the Smart Societies impact coalition are launching a study to explore how people with autism move and physically interact with others. The goal is to identify so-called motor markers of autism that could enhance diagnostic methods. This research is essential because autism is currently diagnosed more frequently in men than in women. However, the question remains whether more men actually have autism. Studies suggest that autism manifests differently in women and that women are often better at masking their social difficulties. This masking can hinder accurate diagnosis and, consequently, effective treatment.

Enhancing diagnostics and incorporating a female perspective

According to Postma, current autism diagnostics do not yet consider specific movement patterns and social interactions, even though these may be crucial indicators of autism. How, for example, does walking style differ between autistic and non-autistic individuals? And how do both groups react in social interactions, as well as in sports and play situations? "Women, in particular, tend to conceal their autistic traits in standard tests. We expect that this will be much harder when it comes to movement patterns and physical interactions. By incorporating these aspects, we can enrich diagnostics and introduce a stronger female perspective. This is important because, too often, the male model remains the default in medical science," Postma explains.

Creating a setting to elicit specific behaviour

The first step in the study involves an extensive literature review, mapping existing knowledge on movement patterns, interaction, and their predictive value in conditions such as autism. "Are these patterns indeed different from those in non-autistic individuals, and what specific aspects should we focus on?" Postma says. The next step is to design an environment that elicits relevant behaviour. For instance, autistic and non-autistic participants might be asked to complete a walking task, allowing researchers to register and compare movement patterns. "Further along, we also aim to create settings that provoke social interaction. This could include scenarios where someone approaches you, speaks to you, or throws a ball to you. A crucial requirement for all settings is that they are safe and do not induce stress."

Shaping human-machine interactions

In designing these settings, Postma and Begeer will draw from experiences with interactive diagnostic environments traditionally used for physical injuries, such as assessing whether someone with a knee injury is fit to return to sports.

If such an environment proves effective for autism research, Postma believes it could also be valuable for studying other neurodivergent conditions. "This research allows us to further develop our thinking about interactive technologies and how to shape human-machine interactions," he says. "We are also collaborating with Special Olympics Netherlands, the sports organisation for people with intellectual disabilities. They are very eager to participate in order to enhance the enjoyment of sports for all their members."

Enrichment, depth and multilayered integration

Postma describes the collaboration between VU Amsterdam and the UT within the impact coalition as a "perfect match." "We not only complement each other’s technical and domain-specific expertise, but we also create enrichment, depth, and integration at multiple levels. This will undoubtedly lead to a comprehensive diagnostic environment for autism."

The research by Postma and Begeer is part of SCANNER, a new project funded by the NWA-ORC program. SCANNER aims to deepen the understanding of sex differences in autism by examining genetic, neurophysiological, and behavioural factors. The project is set to launch at the end of this year and will run for six years.