Defining and quantifying the social phenotype in autism.
OBJECTIVE
Genetic and neurofunctional research in autism has highlighted the need for improved characterization of the core social disorder defining the broad spectrum of syndrome manifestations.


METHODS
This article reviews the advantages and limitations of current methods for the refinement and quantification of this highly heterogeneous social phenotype.


RESULTS
The study of social visual pursuit by use of eye-tracking technology is offered as a paradigm for novel tools incorporating these requirements and as a research effort that builds on the emerging synergy of different branches of social neuroscience.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances in the area will require increased consideration of processes underlying experimental results and a closer approximation of experimental methods to the naturalistic demands inherent in real-life social situations.
Klin
Ami
A
Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. ami.klin@yale.edu
Jones
Warren
W
Schultz
Robert
R
Volkmar
Fred
F
Cohen
Donald
D
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D003463:Cues; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D005403:Fixation, Ocular / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009040:Motion Pictures; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D010641:Phenotype; D012107:Research Design / Q000639:trends; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D012938:Social Perception; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology