These results indicate that eye gaze attracted attention more effectively than the arrow in typically developed children, while children with autism shifted their attention equally in response to eye gaze and arrow direction, failing to show preferential sensitivity to the social cue. Difficulty in shifting controlled attention to the instructed side was also found in children with autism.

We explored the relationships between 'autistic' traits as measured by the AQ (Autism-Spectrum Quotient; Baron-Cohen et al., J. Autism Develop. Disord. (2001b) 31 5) and various personality traits or cognitive ability, which usually coincide with autistic symptoms, for general populations. Results showed the AQ was associated with tendencies toward an obsessional personality as defined by the TCI (Temperament and Character Inventory), higher depression and anxiety, and higher frequency of experience of being bullied. These results parallel the patterns in autism and corroborate the validity of the AQ for general populations. Contrary to our prediction, however, there was no relationship between the AQ and cognitive ability, such as theory of mind, executive functioning, and central coherence, suggesting the AQ does not reflect autism-specific cognitive patterns in general populations.

This is the first large-scale molding helmet study reporting the method and efficacy in Japanese infants. It demonstrated that despite the structural and physiological differences from infants of other races, molding helmet therapy is effective in Asian-born infants, provided that intervention timing and recognition conditions are met.

A B S T R AC T This study investigates the priority needs of museum service accessibility for visually impaired visitors. For this purpose, conjoint analysis was utilized. Four conjoint attributes of museum services were selected: A -facilities for wayfinding; B -exhibitions and collections including objects for touching, hearing, smelling, etc.; C -information in braille, audio and large print; and D -assistance and interpretation by museum staff and volunteers. Participants were 30 visually impaired adults ranging in age from teenagers to septuagenarians. The results revealed that the priority needs in services for visually impaired visitors were accessibility to exhibitions and collections, and staff assistance.