The effects of attentional focus on visuomotor control during observational learning in children with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Research has shown that adopting an external focus of attention facilitates both performance and learning. Recent research observed a benefit of adopting an external focus while viewing a modeled behavior. The current study investigated motor performance in children with autism following attentional focus cues while viewing demonstrations of an overhand throw. Eye tracking was used to investigate visual search strategies and attentional adherence. Method: 24 children with autism, aged 7-10, were randomly placed in internal or external modeling groups. 10-trial pre-test was performed to measure throwing accuracy and quiet-eye duration (QED). Children then observed a model performing the overhand throw while eye movements were recorded, followed by a 10-trial post-test. Results: Groups improved accuracy (p < .001) and increased QED (p < .001) from pre-to post-test. The external modeling group had greater accuracy (p < .01) and longer QED (p < .001) than the internal modeling group during post-testing. Conclusions: Not only did children with autism significantly improve performance with the attentional focus manipulation, but the adoption of an external focus led to longer quiet eye durations which potentially explains the pattern of performance findings. These results with practical applications are discussed in the paper.