Abstract
Weak Central Coherence (Frith, 1989) predicts that, in autism, perceptual processing is relatively unaffected by conceptual analysis. Enhanced Perceptual Functioning (Mottron & Burack, 2001) predicts that the perceptual processing of those with autism is less influenced by conceptual analysis only when higher-level processing is detrimental to task performance. This research tested these theories using a copying task where one conceptual aspect enhances accuracy (meaningfulness) and another hinders it (three-dimensionality). Children and adolescents with and without autism copied meaningful and non-meaningful two-dimensional and three-dimensional line drawings. Drawing accuracy and strategy (global/local) were assessed. Participants with autism were less affected by dimensionality but not meaningfulness, apparently supporting EPF. Effects of dimensionality did not relate to drawing strategy, also contrary to WCC.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by an Economic and Social Research Council Studentship to the first author. We are very grateful for the kind co-operation of the staff, students and parents involved in these studies. Participating schools included: East Midlands: Foxwood, Bispham Drive Junior; North West: Wargrave House School, Abbots Lea. Thanks also to Greg Currie for his helpful comments on the research.
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Sheppard, E., Ropar, D. & Mitchell, P. The Impact of Meaning and Dimensionality on Copying Accuracy in Individuals with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 1913–1924 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0321-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0321-9