Autism research

The early detection of autism is the subject under discussion amongst many scholars from different disciplines. Researchers use The Observer^® XT research software to collect and analyze behavioral data. Some are interested in repetitive behaviors in early development stages, while others look at how infants and toddlers interact with familiar and unfamiliar adults. Researchers observe test participants for several minutes while they perform a task or are confronted with changing circumstances. For instance, infants are presented with novel objects, toddlers are asked to finish different tasks, and young children are brought into contact with adults.

Research is often done in an observation lab, in order to observe subjects unobtrusively.  In a home environment researchers can use Pocket Observer, scoring behavior on a handheld device. By observing behaviors of infants, toddlers, and older children scholars get more insight into specific behaviors. With The Observer XT it is easy to compare different observations.

Interesting publications

Diverse scientific articles citing Noldus products are published in renowned journals each week. The following list is only a small selection of the most recent published scientific articles in different research fields.

• Mosconi, M.W.; Reznick, J.S.; Mesibov, G.; Piven, J. (2009). The social orienting continuum and response scale (SOC-RS): a dimensional measure for preschool aged- children, Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 39, 242-250. 
• Naber, F.B.A.; Bakermans - Kranenburg, M.J.; IJzendoorn, M.H. van; Swinkels, S.H.N.; Buitelaar, J.K.; Dietz, C.; Daalen, E. van; Engeland, H. van (2008). Play behavior and attachment in toddlers with autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 38, 857-866.