Eye contact — a simple social convention for most — can be a significant challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research by University of Houston psychology professor Jason Griffin sheds new light on this topic, revealing how children with autism prioritize and process faces differently, especially during early visual perception stages.

In a study published in Biological Psychiatry, Griffin analyzed eye movement patterns in autistic and neurotypical children as they viewed social images. He identified two distinct patterns:

1. Focused Eye Movements: Small face regions of interest that immediately captured attention.

2. Exploratory Eye Movements: Larger regions that included nonsocial objects, delaying focus on faces.

Children with autism predominantly use the exploratory pattern, reflecting decreased sensitivity to facial information. These findings suggest that visual processing differences may contribute to the social communication challenges associated with autism.

Griffin’s commitment to autism research is deeply personal, inspired by his younger brother who has autism. His innovative work extends beyond the lab, utilizing mobile eye-tracking technology to study how autistic children engage with faces in real-world interactions.

Recognized globally for his groundbreaking efforts, Griffin’s work promises to enhance our understanding of autism and open pathways for new interventions to improve social perception. You can visit the Griffin Laboratory here.