Children with autism exhibit a chronic impairment in the processing of social and emotional information including abnormalities with eye gaze and in expression and comprehension of facial emotions (Sasson, 2006). Face processing is the ability to correctly interpret visual information about other people in our environment and is an emergent and developing skill. Emotion processing is the ability to anticipate, predict, and read behaviors of others. (Sasson, 2006)
The theory of weak central coherence describes a cognitive style based on local processing, focusing on details and individuals have problems integrating the whole (Frith,1989). This would account for a child's ability to recognize parts of faces and not take into account the entire face, or the global picture (Duruelle, Rondan, 2004). Additionally, the "experience expectant" model of visual development (Nelson, 2001) explains that humans enter the world prepared to deal with human faces but only through exposure to faces does perceptual and cortical specialization occur (Sasson, 2006). The impaired ability to interact with others is often explained by the theory of mind which is understanding that other peole have thoughts, beliefs, and feelings separate from oneself (Miller-Kuhaneck).
After reviewing the research it is clear that facial and emotional processing are complicated, having many factors to consider. This is an enormous issue related to children with autism. Learning about this subject revealed to me the role OTs and SLPs (tell me if I am overstating my bounds regarding SLPs) can have in addressing the occupation of social interaction with peers. A goal of this project is to enhance learning for myself as well as alerting and educating classmates to the need to address these issues. This appears to be an area under addressed by clinicians.
Sasson, N. (2006). The Devolpment of Face Processing in Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36, 381-394.
Kirsten, I am hooked with your introduction...this was my second choice and an area that I, too need to advance my knowledge and understanding to then enhance my treatment skills and educating families, co-workers, as well. I look forward to following as you go along. - joan
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