Stargazing behavior refers to a tendency to stare upward or fixate on a point in the distance, often for extended periods of time. This behavior is similar to the "self-stimulation" behaviors seen in ASD, where individuals may repetitively engage in certain motions or actions for sensory reinforcement or to regulate their emotions.
It is not a formal diagnosis or medical term, but rather a descriptive phrase used to characterize a particular behavioral pattern. It is one of the many repetitive behaviors that can be present in ASD, along with other symptoms such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning. These behaviors can vary in frequency, intensity, and duration, and can be disruptive or distressing for the individual and their caregivers.
In the context of research using the BDNFmet/leu mouse model, stargazing behavior is mentioned as a behavioral deficit that is similar to those observed in human ASD patients. This allows researchers to study this behavior in the mouse model and gain insights into its underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
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