Contrast detection in infants with fragile X syndrome

Vision Res. 2008 Jun;48(13):1471-8. doi: 10.1016/j.visres.2008.03.019. Epub 2008 May 23.

Abstract

Studies have reported that a selective deficit in visual motion processing is present in certain developmental disorders, including Williams syndrome and autism. More recent evidence suggests a visual motion impairment is also present in adults with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation. The goal of the current study was to examine low-level cortical visual processing in infants diagnosed with FXS in order to explore the developmental origin of this putative deficit. We measured contrast detection of first-order (luminance-defined) and second-order (contrast-defined) gratings at two levels of temporal frequency, 0 Hz (static) and 4 Hz (moving). Results indicate that infants with FXS display significantly higher detection thresholds only for the second-order, moving stimuli compared to mental age-matched typically developing controls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Contrast Sensitivity*
  • Female
  • Fragile X Syndrome / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Motion Perception
  • Perceptual Disorders / etiology*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Sensory Thresholds