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Looking at Eye Gaze Processing and Its Neural Correlates in Infancy—Implications for Social Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Author(s) -
Hoehl Stefanie,
Reid Vincent M.,
Parise Eugenio,
Handl Andrea,
Palumbo Letizia,
Striano Tricia
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
child development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1467-8624
pISSN - 0009-3920
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01311.x
Subject(s) - gaze , psychology , autism spectrum disorder , autism , cognition , eye contact , social cognition , eye tracking , cognitive psychology , social neuroscience , cognitive development , child development , eye movement , developmental psychology , cognitive science , neuroscience , computer science , artificial intelligence , psychoanalysis
The importance of eye gaze as a means of communication is indisputable. However, there is debate about whether there is a dedicated neural module, which functions as an eye gaze detector and when infants are able to use eye gaze cues in a referential way. The application of neuroscience methodologies to developmental psychology has provided new insights into early social cognitive development. This review integrates findings on the development of eye gaze processing with research on the neural mechanisms underlying infant and adult social cognition. This research shows how a cognitive neuroscience approach can improve our understanding of social development and autism spectrum disorder.