Processing of visual information in infants - an fNIRS study

In recent years it has become clear that the ability to process socially
relevant stimuli, such as faces, depends on perceptual processes. In a number
of studies in children, we have shown that impaired development of perception
is associated with a disturbance in the social information processing, in
particular in autism. However, it is still unknown how perceptual and social
information processing develops during infancy, when the foundation is laid for
social interaction. Important in this development is the involvement of
specific brain areas. Although this can be measured in adults with fMRI, is
fNIRS a child-friendly alternative. Brain activity is measured using sensors in
a cap, similar to EEG, which provides freedom of movement to the baby.
Although fNIRS is often used to study brain activity in infants, there are no
longitudinal studies on the involvement of brain areas in social stimulus
processing. The developmental trajectory that can be mapped using longitudinal
research provides insight into the changing involvement of brain areas during
the first year of life. This provides a background for understanding of
abnormal perceptual and social information processing, such as in children with
autism.

The main objectie of the study is to map the developmental trajectory of
processing perceptual and social information in infants using fNIRS. In
addition, with the measurement in 5 month-old children we aim to replicate
previous research. The additional group of 10-month-old infants can lead to
novel insights in the longitudinal and learning effects in our study.
Furthermore, by administering a questionnaire on social development we can
investigate whether differences in development relate to differences in brain
activity.
In addition, we will study adults before studying infants. The goal of studying
adults is to optimise methods using participants that can communicate well and
have a long attention span.

A longitudinal, observational, non-invasive study. During presentation of
meaningless and social stimuli brain activity will be registered.

Children and parents don't benefit from participation in the research. The
risks associated with participation are negligible and the burden is low
(measurement of maximal 3 periods of 15 minutes per measurement day). The
research is group related which means that the research question cannot be
answered without participation of children in the regarded age-range.