Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Duration of Moment in Autism

This study, called 'Duration of Moment in Autism', is for children aged 3 to 5 years old. It aims to understand how children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) process what they see and how they pay attention. Researchers will compare children with ASD to children who don't have ASD. They'll use special eye-tracking tasks to look at two specific things: how long it takes for the brain to put visual information together (called the Temporal Integration Window) and how attention works when lots of things happen quickly (called the Attentional Blink). Scientists think that children with ASD might process information faster. Understanding this could help explain why some children with ASD are very sensitive to sights and sounds, and why social situations can be tricky for them. Participation involves one session of eye-tracking and some questionnaires to understand development.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hôpital le Vinatier

Enrolment target

228

Start

16 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

16 Aug 2028

Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain is like a camera and a video editor. When you see something, your camera takes a picture. But how long does it take for your brain to stitch those pictures together into a smooth video? This study is trying to figure that out for children with autism. It's called the 'Temporal Integration Window' – basically, how long your brain needs to combine quick snippets of visual information into one complete picture. We also want to understand 'Attentional Blink', which is what happens when you see two things very quickly one after the other. Sometimes, if the second thing comes too soon, your brain might miss it for a split second.

Researchers think that for children with autism, this 'camera' might be working extra fast, meaning they process information in much smaller, quicker bursts. If their brains are always taking in information super-fast, it could be why bright lights or loud noises feel overwhelming to them. It might also explain why quickly changing social situations, with lots of faces and movements, can be difficult to understand. This study aims to test these ideas in 3 and 5-year-old children, using eye-tracking technology to see exactly what their eyes are doing when they look at different things.

By comparing typically developing children with children who have autism, the study hopes to find important clues about how the autistic brain processes the world. This new understanding could help us better support children with autism, especially in environments that can be sensory-rich or socially complex. It's about getting a clearer picture of their unique way of experiencing and understanding the world around them.

Key takeaways

The study explores how children with autism perceive and pay attention.
It involves eye-tracking tasks for 3 and 5-year-olds with or without autism.
Researchers are investigating if children with autism process information faster.
This could help explain sensory sensitivities and social challenges.
Participation involves one visit, lasting about an hour, with no medication.
The study aims to improve our understanding and support for children with autism.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of children: children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and children who are developing typically (meaning they don't have ASD). All children need to be either 3 or 5 years old.

To be in the study, all participants must have eyesight and hearing that is normal or corrected (for example, with glasses). It's also important that they don't have an intellectual disability. For children with ASD, the doctors will also consider if their autism fits into a typical or less typical pattern based on their clinical assessment.

Children cannot join if they have certain other health conditions, like a neurological disorder, or if they have other developmental delays or mental health diagnoses for the children who are typically developing. Also, the child's parents or guardians must give their written permission and be part of a French social security plan.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged 3 or 5 years old?
Does your child have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or are they developing typically without ASD?
Does your child have normal or corrected vision and hearing?
Does your child *not* have an intellectual disability?
Do you, as their legal guardian, live in France and are you affiliated with a French social security plan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will have one visit that lasts for about an hour. During this visit, your child will complete two tasks using eye-tracking technology. This means special equipment will follow their eye movements as they look at things on a screen. These tasks are designed to understand how they see and pay attention.

There won't be any medication involved. In addition to the eye-tracking tasks, some questionnaires will be used to understand your child's general development. This helps the researchers understand each child's individual progress. You and your child will be able to leave after the session is complete.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no major risks involved in this study; the eye-tracking tasks are safe and non-invasive. Your child may find some of the tasks tiring or challenging, but they can take breaks if needed. The main benefit is that your child's participation will help researchers learn more about how children with autism process information. This new understanding could lead to better support and strategies for children with autism in the future. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (2)

Baby lab - Institut des sciences cognitives Marc Jeannerod
Verified postcode
Bron, France
CEDA - Le Vinatier
Verified postcode
Bron, France

Common questions

What is eye-tracking?

Eye-tracking is a safe and painless way to watch where someone is looking on a screen. It uses special cameras to follow their eye movements.

Will my child have to do anything difficult?

The tasks involve looking at images and patterns on a screen. The researchers will make sure your child is comfortable and can take breaks if they need to.

What does 'Temporal Integration Window' mean?

It's a fancy way of asking 'how quickly does the brain put together very fast pieces of visual information to make sense of what you're seeing?'

What is 'Attentional Blink'?

This is about how we pay attention when things happen very quickly. Sometimes, if two things flash up almost at the same time, your brain might miss the second one for a tiny moment.

What will happen with the information from the study?

The information gathered will be used by scientists to better understand how children with autism see and pay attention. It will help them learn more about autism in general.

How to find out more

Sara DOCHEZ

sara.dochez@ch-le-vinatier.fr +33437915364 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.