Defining and quantifying the social phenotype in autism

Abstract

Objective: Genetic and neurofunctional research in autism has highlighted the need for improved characterization of the core social disorder defining the broad spectrum of syndrome manifestations.

Method: This article reviews the advantages and limitations of current methods for the refinement and quantification of this highly heterogeneous social phenotype.

Results: The study of social visual pursuit by use of eye-tracking technology is offered as a paradigm for novel tools incorporating these requirements and as a research effort that builds on the emerging synergy of different branches of social neuroscience.

Conclusions: Advances in the area will require increased consideration of processes underlying experimental results and a closer approximation of experimental methods to the naturalistic demands inherent in real-life social situations.