Cornelia De Lange
Eye-tracking study confirms people with fragile X and Cornelia de Lange syndromes look differently at social information
Researchers have identified differences in the way in which people with different genetic syndromes process social information. Researchers at the Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders used eye-tracking technology to find out where people with genetic syndromes look when they are presented with social information. Subtle differences in social behaviour led researchers to conduct a number of studies to investigate social information processing, which may provide further insight into the social difficulties experienced by some with genetic syndromes.
In one study, researchers found that people with fragile X and Cornelia de Lange syndromes can tell the difference between positive, negative and neutral facial expressions. This study also found that people with fragile X syndrome look less at the eye region of faces than other people. Another study found that, although social information is less likely to grab the attention of people with Cornelia de Lange syndrome than people with fragile X syndrome, it holds their attention once it has been viewed.
“Processing social information is crucial for successful social interaction. We hope that by highlighting differences in the way in which people with genetic syndromes process socially relevant information, we can understand more about the social difficulties they may experience,” said Hayley Crawford, one of the researchers who conducted the studies.
To hear Hayley Crawford describe her research project watch the short fiilm below: