WP4 | Behavioural phenotyping and eHealth tools development

People with autism display sensorimotor behaviours and movement-based (social) interactions that are distinct from those of their neurotypical peers. We hypothesise that the investigation of motor behaviour yields diagnostically relevant distinctions between neurotypical people and neurodiverse people. The first objective is to investigate the longitudinal relationship between autistic traits, motor-coordination patterns, and biological and environmental factors. The second objective is to assess sensorimotor behaviour in autistic males and females using validated paradigms on sensorimotor associative learning (Eye-blink conditioning) and reciprocity (Interactive drawing). Finally, we aim to investigate diagnostically relevant distinctions in higher levels of motor behaviour including movement-based (social) interactions. Together, these objectives will complement and solidify existing approaches to diagnosing autism. Since motor functions are less susceptible to societal pressures that assign gender-stereotyped roles, the understanding and objective measurement of sensorimotor behaviour will alleviate sex related diagnostic bias (Kentrou et al., 2021) across all ages.