Object exploration during the transition to sitting

A study of infants at heightened risk for autism spectrum disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID16783316
AuthorsErin N Jarvis (University of Pittsburgh), Kelsey L West (0000-0002-3470-1951, University of Pittsburgh), Jana M Iverson (0000-0001-9160-7825, University of Pittsburgh, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume25
Issue5
Pages640-657
Publication date2020-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInfancy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1525-0008 • E-ISSN: 1532-7078
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/infa.12341
PMID32857443
OpenAlexW3035372005
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited51

Learning to sit promotes infants' object exploration because it offers increased access to objects and an improved position for exploration (e.g., ). Infants at heightened risk (HR) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit delays in sitting and differences in object exploration. However, little is known about the association between sitting and object exploration among HR infants. We examined changes in object exploration as HR infants ( N = 19) and comparison infants with no family history of ASD (Low Risk; LR; N = 23) gained experience sitting independently. Infants were observed monthly from 2.5 months until 1 month after the onset of independent sitting. At 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, infants completed standardized developmental assessments, and HR infants were assessed for ASD symptoms at 36 months. Although HR infants began sitting later than LR infants, both groups increased time spent grasping, shaking, banging, and mouthing objects as they gained sitting experience. Groups only differed in time spent actively mouthing objects, with LR infants showing a greater increase in active mouthing than HR infants. Findings suggest that HR infants experience a similar progression of object exploration across sitting development, but on a delayed time scale

Audiology · Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Cognitive development · Developmental psychology · Joint attention · Object permanence · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Psychiatry · Sitting · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Child and Animal Learning Development · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Medicine · Psychology · Pediatrics

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