This pilot study examined and quantified rotational asymmetry (the
tendency to turn preferentially to the right or left side). An automated
device was used to measure turning (circling) in 9 children with autism and
27 normal control subjects and confirmed clinical observations of
stereotypical spinning behavior in patients with autism. This behavior was
significantly preferential toward the left side relative to control
subjects (P = 0.0009, two-tailed). Group membership accounted for
approximately 40% of variance. Although the precise causes of autism are
not known, these preliminary data suggest that the spinning behavior often
seen in children with neurodevelopmental disorders can be reliably
measured. Furthermore, spinning in autism may most often manifest as
specific right-hemispace neglect.Abstract Teaser