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Interval and Contour Processing in Autism

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Abstract

High functioning children with autism and age and intelligence matched controls participated in experiments testing perception of pitch intervals and musical contours. The finding from the interval study showed superior detection of pitch direction over small pitch distances in the autism group. On the test of contour discrimination no group differences emerged. These findings confirm earlier studies showing facilitated pitch processing and a preserved ability to represent small-scale musical structures in autism.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to Ati Hermelin and Linda Pring for help and support, to Jessica Foxton, Francesca Happé and Bob Turner for helpful comments on the manuscript, and to all who participated in the studies.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London, New Cross, SE14 6NW, London, UK

    Pamela Heaton

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  1. Pamela Heaton
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Correspondence to Pamela Heaton.

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Heaton, P. Interval and Contour Processing in Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 35, 787–793 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-005-0024-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-005-0024-7

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