Name:Kevin, Jamey

School/Affiliation:University of Montreal

Co-Authors:Hugo Laflamme, Nicholas E. V. Foster, Simon Rigoulot, Krista L. Hyde, Simone Dalla Bella

Virtual or In-person:Virtual

Abstract:

Children on the autism spectrum display sensorimotor and executive functioning difficulties (i.e., inhibition control, cognitive flexibility), which may be linked to co-occurring timing impairments and symptom severity (social awareness, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests). We tested if rhythm-based training improves sensorimotor and executive functioning in autism by adapting the existing “Rhythm Workers” (RW) finger-tapping game (previously validated in adults with Parkinson’s). We invited children with autism (7-13 years; n = 26) to complete a remote longitudinal protocol. They were randomly assigned to RW or a control game with similar auditory-motor demands without beat-synchronization (active control condition). Participants played the game for 300 minutes over 2 weeks. We collected data (self-reported and logged on the device) on several feasibility measures (enjoyment, perceived difficulty). Additionally, we tested children’s rhythmic abilities with the BAASTA battery and executive functioning tasks (inhibition control, cognitive flexibility). Our findings show high compliance with the protocol using RW and the control game (the training duration target was met), and that participants enjoyed playing both games. Those who played RW improved more in sensorimotor synchronization (Beat Tracking Index - BAASTA) and executive functioning compared to the control game. Training duration and symptom severity (social awareness, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests) were strongly related to improvement in both outcomes. In sum, we provide initial evidence that both games are well-matched and that the rhythmic game can selectively improve sensorimotor and executive functioning in children on the autism spectrum.