Abstract
While much research has examined the development of facial recognition abilities, less is known about the ability of individuals
with and without autism to categorize facial gender. The current study tested gender categorization abilities in high-functioning
children (5–7 and 8–12 years), adolescents (13–17 years), and adults (18–53 years) with autism and matched controls. Naturalistic
videos depicted faces that were either typical or less typical of each gender. Both groups improved in their performance across
development. However, control children reached expertise that was similar to control adults by 8–12 years; whereas, adults
with autism never reached this level of expertise, particularly with less typical gender faces. Results suggest that individuals
with autism employ different face processing mechanisms than typically developing individuals.
with and without autism to categorize facial gender. The current study tested gender categorization abilities in high-functioning
children (5–7 and 8–12 years), adolescents (13–17 years), and adults (18–53 years) with autism and matched controls. Naturalistic
videos depicted faces that were either typical or less typical of each gender. Both groups improved in their performance across
development. However, control children reached expertise that was similar to control adults by 8–12 years; whereas, adults
with autism never reached this level of expertise, particularly with less typical gender faces. Results suggest that individuals
with autism employ different face processing mechanisms than typically developing individuals.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1428-1
- Authors
- Mark S. Strauss, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 210 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Lisa C. Newell, Department of Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA
- Catherine A. Best, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 210 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Sarah F. Hannigen, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 210 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Holly Zajac Gastgeb, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 210 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Joyce L. Giovannelli, Children’s Advantage, Ravenna, OH, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257