r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Jan 30 '25

Neuroscience A low-cost tool accurately distinguishes neurotypical children from children with autism just by watching them copy the dance moves of an on-screen avatar for a minute. It can even tell autism from ADHD, conditions that commonly overlap.

https://newatlas.com/adhd-autism/autism-motion-detection-diagnosis/
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u/K3u21 Jan 30 '25

New terms to me: Would that mean better imitation puts them in the ADHD and ASD diagnosis, or would worse imitation be the diagnosis?

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u/Nauin Jan 30 '25

A lot of autistic people have what's called proprioceptive dysfunction. Which means we don't have a strong sense of awareness for how our bodies are positioned and move compared to those who don't have this issue. It's one of the many factors lending a hand in poor motor function and coordination which is also common with autism.

Having the lived experience of these disorders I went from skeptical to, "ohhhh, yep that could work," as soon as I read "copy dance moves," in the headline.

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u/LoreChano Jan 30 '25

Interesting because I've known a man who was clearly autistic but he made absolutely amazing wood carving art, things that clearly required higher than average motor skills. Maybe different kinds of autism can lead to that?

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u/blackfoger1 Jan 30 '25

I am on the spectrum and many of my friends often call me a bull in a china shop because I'm constantly knocking things around. Having our brains actively engaged means it's harder to assert consistent motor control. Example: When I am having a conversation which entails listening and trying to remember what action I need to take next after pouring a glass of water for myself is often when I spill. Having my muscles expecting an exact amount of exertion when pouring the pitcher yet it is more then what was required and thus I spill.