Visual perception and visual dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: a literature review

Aim: To describe autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and to review the evidence for associated visual dysfunction in the disorder. Method: An initial literature search was performed using Web of Science with the key words: autism and sensory; autism and vision; autism and visual; and autism and oculomotor. Papers which reported investigation of basic vision in autism were obtained, and any additional references listed in these articles that referred to other relevant data but didn’t emerge from the original search were followed up. Results: There is evidence that basic visual function may be affected in individuals with ASD, however the mixed nature and limited number of empirical studies conducted make it difficult to draw clear conclusions as to specific deficits and areas of spared visual function in ASD. Conclusion: It is likely that patients with ASD may present to the orthoptic department. Specific vision screening of this population may be indicated, and further study based on large well defined samples would be of significant value.