Looking at eye gaze processing and its neural correlates in infancy-implications for social development and autism spectrum disorder

Author(s)
Stefanie Hoehl, Vincent M Reid, Eugenio Parise, Andrea Handl, Letizia Palumbo, Tricia Striano
Abstract

The importance of eye gaze as a means of communication is indisputable. However, there is debate about whether there is a dedicated neural module, which functions as an eye gaze detector and when infants are able to use eye gaze cues in a referential way. The application of neuroscience methodologies to developmental psychology has provided new insights into early social cognitive development. This review integrates findings on the development of eye gaze processing with research on the neural mechanisms underlying infant and adult social cognition. This research shows how a cognitive neuroscience approach can improve our understanding of social development and autism spectrum disorder.

Organisation(s)
External organisation(s)
Scientific Software Center, Durham University, Università della Calabria, University of London, University of Hull, City University of New York, Max-Planck-Institut für Kognitions- und Neurowissenschaften
Journal
Child Development
Volume
80
Pages
968-985
No. of pages
18
ISSN
0009-3920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01311.x
Publication date
07-2009
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
501005 Developmental psychology
Keywords
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/61f1abc6-d4f4-4c02-905e-2839a18e6770