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Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis

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Abstract

Visuo-spatial skills are believed to be enhanced in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This meta-analysis tests the current state of evidence for Figure Disembedding, Block Design, Mental Rotation and Navon tasks in ASD and neurotypicals. Block Design (d = 0.32) and Figure Disembedding (d = 0.26) showed superior performance for ASD with large heterogeneity that is unaccounted for. No clear differences were found for Mental Rotation. ASD samples showed a stronger local processing preference for Navon tasks (d = 0.35); less clear evidence for performance differences of a similar magnitude emerged. We discuss the meta-analysis results together with other findings relating to visuo-spatial processing and three cognitive theories of ASD: Weak Central Coherence, Enhanced Perceptual Functioning and Extreme Male Brain theory.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Frank Renkewitz for helpful discussions on analytical issues, and we are grateful to all researchers who supplied additional information about their studies on request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Bangor University, Adeilad Brigantia, Penrallt Road, Bangor, LL57 2AS, UK

    Anne Muth

  2. Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Johannes Hönekopp

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    Christine M. Falter

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  1. Anne Muth
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Correspondence to Anne Muth.

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Muth, A., Hönekopp, J. & Falter, C.M. Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 3245–3263 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2188-5

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