*2.1. Population*

We recruited children, aged 5–6 years, diagnosed with ASD according to the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). Exclusion criteria were inability to understand and/or comply with simple instructions, other pathologies, e.g., epilepsy, orthopedic impairments, uncorrected auditory or visual impairments, cognitive disability. Age-matched TD children were recruited as controls. The study received the approval of the Helsinki committee of the hospital (approval #0119-13-SMC).
