Brain Activity Reveals How Autistic Teens Mask Their Diagnosis

Brain activity reveals how autistic teens mask their diagnosis

Some autistic teens often adopt behaviors to mask their diagnosis in social settings helping them be perceived - or "pass" - as non-autistic.

Autistic teens who mask in social settings display distinct brain activity patterns

Some autistic teens often adopt behaviors to mask their diagnosis in social settings helping them be perceived—or "pass"—as non-autistic. For the first time, researchers are able to observe brain functions that differ in those who "pass as non-autistic," which could lead to a better understanding of the cognitive toll of this kind of masking, and of how these individuals could be more effectively supported.

Scientists have identified 4 distinct autism subtypes

While those with autism can have overlapping symptoms and behaviors, it has been difficult to identify the different ways the condition appears in different people. But now scientists have pinpointed four clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of autism spectrum disorder, according to a study on children published in the journal Nature Genetics. Understanding the unique characteristics of each may help in more accurate diagnoses and perso…

The Paradox of Autism Causation Studies

(Editor’s note: This is yet another look at autism causation studies. We’re in such a strange moment. The stakes could not be higher, and yet, as I explain below, the available studies are flawed and unlikely to get better. I don’t believe that the presence of a few reformers inside the administration changes this calculus much at all. I think we are much better taking matters into our own hands.)  The paradox of autism causation studies is that…

Autism Masking Leaves a Mark on the Brain

Some autistic teens mask their traits to “pass” as non-autistic in social settings, but a new study reveals the hidden cognitive toll. Using EEG, researchers found these teens show faster automatic responses to faces and dampened emotional reactivity, suggesting their brains may adapt to cope with social demands.