Animation 'can' identify autistic kids

Autistic children are usually identified after the age of 2; a new study shows animations can help detect the disorder earlier. 

Normal babies start paying attention to normal biological range of human motion when they are about eight months old. Children with autism spectrum, however, are only attracted to motions accompanied by synchronous sounds. 

Normal kids watch the eyes of other people, whereas autistic children stare at their mouths. These children therefore can not track human movements, leading to impaired social interactions. 

According to a study published in Nature, observing a toddler's reaction to animations can help detect autistic infants. 

Audio-visual synchronies, usually ignored by typical kids, capture the attention of autistic children; typically-developing children conversely focus on socially meaningful movements of the human body, such as gestures and facial expressions. 

Scientists believe genetic predispositions in autism are exacerbated by atypical experience from a very early age, altering brain development. 

They are optimistic that their findings would pave the way for developing new therapies based on redirecting visual attention in children with these disorders.

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Action video games 'improve' eyesight

Action video games particularly those involving aiming and shooting at virtual targets can improve eye vision and contrast sensitivity. 

Contrast sensitivity, the ability to notice subtle changes of light and dark against a uniform background, is important in situations such as driving at night. 

It is, meanwhile, one of the first aspects of vision affected by ageing. Impaired contrast sensitivity is commonly found in individuals suffering from amblyopia, known as lazy eye. 

Contrast sensitivity can be improved through eye surgery, glasses or contact lenses; a new study, however, claims playing action video games can improve the condition. 

According to the study published in Nature Neuroscience, action video games improve players performance on contrast sensitivity tests, as players have to react to unpredictable events occurring in the form of visual signals in the virtual world of the game. 

Scientists are optimistic that video games can soon be used as a method not only to improve vision and widen the visual field but also to treat certain eye disorders such as amblyopia. 

They believe action video-game training may one day be used as an alternative to eye-correction techniques.

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