[Purpose] In order to elucidate the brain mechanisms for visual perception on Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we basically observed brain activities of neurotypical subjects with magnetic encephalography (MEG) during a visual task. [Methods] The visual task required the subjects (n=3) to shift their attention via eye movements to a target mark randomly displayed on the right or left side of the screen. The cue images included human side gaze images (gaze condition) or arrow images (arrow condition). We averaged -100-700 ms of MEG data for each condition and performed the analysis of source current presumption by MSP with SPM12. [Results] We observed considerable brain activity for 160-200 ms after displaying visual cues; this activity may be a M170 response, which relates to face and gaze perceptions. These activities were observed on the fusiform face area and superior temporal sulcus. [Conclusion] Our visual task presumably detected the subjects’ brain activities that relate to perception of gaze direction.

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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To prevent child abuse, it is important to identify the various risks that caregivers face, and to support them immediately before the risks reach a crisis situation leading to abuse of children. The purpose of this study was to identify the scientific evidences that contribute to the mechanisms of child abuse and support for caregivers from neurobiological research, and to implement a social implementation project to consolidate the findings. For this reason, we have conducted training for the project-based field staff, founded on scientific evidence and documented research results, have checked the effectiveness of the training, and have also assessed the actual situation in order to improve the level of understanding. The results of this study indicated that the training might have an affirmative effect on all staff members regardless of their work history, and that staff members in different fields can gain a common understanding by receiving the same training. In the future, we intend to build a "maltreatment prevention model" for spreading "appropriate childcare and parent-child relationship" strategies amongst families raising children and to local citizens, and to establish effective training and other programs.

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