Visual acuity in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Today, controversy still surrounds the acuity visual (VA) in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD has been associated with hypersensitivity but recent studies have questioned these results. The aim of this study was to compare VA in children with ASD and typically developing children (TD). The study included 34 children: 12 with ASD [people living with (PW) ASD group: 1 female, 11 males] and 22 TD (PWTD group: 9 females, 13 males). The PWASD group was from the Clinica Mexicana de Autismo (CLIMA) and the PWTD group was from the Aztecas elementary school. VA was measured with Kay picture test cards for children without correction. Right eye VA of the PWASD group ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 (0.88±0.23) and left eye VA ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 (0.87±0.23). Right eye VA of the PWTD group ranged from 0.3 and 1.0 (0.84±0.23) and left eye VA ranged 0.3 and 1.0 (0.78±0.22). Non-statistically significant differences were found (t-test, P>0.05). Results support the view that visual acuity is not affected in children with ASD compared with TD children.