Cognitive and Motor Development in Autistic Children: A Multi-Modal Feasibility Study Combining Neuroimaging and Virtual Reality Paradigms.

Background/Objectives: In both typical and atypical development, there is growing evidence that motor development sets the stage for development in other domains. This study aims to examine the feasibility of conducting cognitive and motor research-based tasks in a virtual reality (VR) environment with concurrent neuroimaging (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS) in autistic children. Methods: During a single study visit, participants will complete research-based tasks conducted in a virtual reality environment while wearing the fNIRS apparatus. Supplementary procedures will include a range of standardized assessments and questionnaires for caregivers and their children to complete. Anticipated Outcomes: These methods will yield a rich combination of data -- the kinematic data associated with performance during the research-based tasks, as well as the neural correlates underlying this performance. Conclusions: The overarching, long-term goal of this feasibility study is to explore the interrelationships between cognitive, motor, and social development in autistic children using a variety of research methodologies. A better understanding of these relationships and their neural correlates will inform future research, assessment methods, and intervention strategies across the autism spectrum.