The Link Between Brain Structure and Eye Contact in Autism

It’s well known that people with autism have differences in brain structure, which has long been a subject of research. Scientists at Yale University have investigated whether stimulating specific brain regions influences non-verbal behaviours, specifically eye contact. We, as autistic individuals, are often known for either completely avoiding eye contact or, conversely, having an intense, unwavering gaze – both of which can make others uncomfortable.

A Potential Threat Signal

There’s a reason researchers are focusing on eye contact: for primates, it’s a crucial part of social interaction. Eye contact is used to both send and receive information. However, overly intense or prolonged eye contact can be perceived as a threat, so it’s important for primates not to send the wrong signals. This could explain why neurotypical people sometimes react negatively to the atypical eye contact exhibited by autistic individuals.

Researchers Studied Monkeys

In this study, researchers paired two monkeys and monitored their eye movements using infrared cameras. When one monkey made eye contact with its companion, specific brain regions were stimulated. The researchers then observed whether and how the monkey’s eye contact changed as a result of this stimulation.

Stimulation Altered Behaviour

The researchers discovered that stimulating the orbital cortex – one of the two main zones of the prefrontal cortex – resulted in a different non-verbal behaviour in the monkeys. Stimulating this area led the monkeys to focus on their companion’s eyes for longer periods, with shorter pauses between glances. They also reacted more quickly to their companion’s gaze compared to monkeys whose orbital cortex wasn’t stimulated. Interestingly, these effects only occurred during social interaction and not in other situations.

Different Results with Other Brain Regions

Stimulating the other two brain regions investigated – the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cingulate gyrus – didn’t produce the same immediate effects. However, stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex had a long-term impact: after 1.5 hours of stimulation, the monkeys’ gaze patterns changed, evolving into a leader-follower dynamic where one monkey began to initiate eye contact and the other followed suit. This pattern strengthened over time, meaning the longer the area was stimulated, the stronger the effect became.

It’s Not So Easy For Us

This study was, of course, conducted on monkeys, not humans. Therefore, it’s not certain that autistic individuals would react the same way if those brain regions were stimulated. However, I still find the results fascinating! People often criticize us autistic individuals and urge us to practice eye contact. But it’s not easy to practice something when the difference stems from neurological variations! The study also suggests that eye contact with people is a distinct phenomenon from eye contact in non-social situations.

I Disagree With The Researchers’ Goals

The researchers hope to use these findings to improve the social behaviours of autistic individuals, but I wish the results were used to increase understanding of why we with autism are different. All variations, including homosexuality, are caused by something, but that doesn’t mean all variations need to be “cured.” We humans aren’t animals; we have reason. If you ask me, it shouldn’t be impossible for neurotypical people to learn to accept that we autistic individuals aren’t a threat, even if our eye contact differs from their own.

Leave a comment or read other people’s comments on this post. By submitting a comment, you agree to my comment rules.

Book Me

Please reach out to me via the contact form if you’d like to book me for a lecture on autism or an interview about my life with autism. You can find more information about me and my lectures here.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if life feels hopeless! Here’s a list of helplines and phone support services in the US you can contact if you need assistance. For people outside the US this page lists helplines for people in need of immediate mental help support during a mental health crisis.