Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including those who otherwise require less support, face severe difficulties in everyday social interactions. Research in this area has primarily focused on identifying the cognitive and neurological differences that contribute to these social impairments, but social interaction by definition involves more than one person and social difficulties may arise not just from people with ASD themselves, but also from the perceptions, judgments, and social decisions made by those around them. Here, across three studies, we find that first impressions of individuals with ASD made from thin slices of real-world social behavior by typically-developing observers are not only far less favorable across a range of trait judgments compared to controls, but also are associated with reduced intentions to pursue social interaction. These patterns are remarkably robust, occur within seconds, do not change with increased exposure, and persist across both child and adult age groups. However, these biases disappear when impressions are based on conversational content lacking audio-visual cues, suggesting that style, not substance, drives negative impressions of ASD. Collectively, these findings advocate for a broader perspective of social difficulties in ASD that considers both the individual’s impairments and the biases of potential social partners.
not only far less favorable across a range of trait judgments compared to controls, but also are associated with reduced intentions to pursue social interaction. These patterns are remarkably robust, occur within seconds, do not change with increased exposure, and persist across both child and adult age groups.
I fucking hate being autistic.
I just want fucking friends. Social connection. A partner. I'm a decent enough person. I do all the right things. I don't do anything super annoying or invasive, if anything I'm really quiet and timid. I treat people well. I do the right things. And no one fucking likes or wants me. I had a coworker the other day tell me everyone thought I was weird when I first started. And I mean, I can tell I'm on the outside. I haven't hung out or exchanged numbers with anyone. It makes me so sad. And it's not even just about this one job or whatever, it's knowing it will always be like this. I thought a bit of socializing would make me get it, but no I'm a fucking autist and so everyone is going to hate me. They decided within seconds I'm not worth their time and they won't change their minds.