Components of Emotional Processing in Young Children with ASD

This study examines emotional attention, reactivity, regulation and anxiety in typically developing young children and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This project will advance our understanding of the unique contribution of emotional disturbance to core and comorbid symptoms of ASD and suggest mechanisms that may illuminate the role of emotional attention difficulties and anxiety in the etiology of autism. The activities for children include interacting with our research staff to assess developmental skills and watching videos to assess attentional patterns. The activities for parents involve responding to questions about the child's development and behavior at home and at school.