Effects of Autism Spectrum Tendencies on Recognition of Facial Expressions in Picture Scroll

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relation between autism spectrum tendencies of normal observers and evaluation of facial emotional expressions, used for "Ban Dainagon Emaki". Recognition of facial expressions was verified by Scheffé's (Nakaya) paired comparison method using the evaluation attributes of the four emotions (fear, anger, sadness, and happiness) in conjunction with investigation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Different cognitive patterns especially extracted from communication ability, were confirmed, comparing facial expression recognition tendencies for the two groups, higher levels of autistic-like traits and lower levels of autistic-like traits. Between the two groups, the high levels on the AQ were difficult to recognize the fear of negative emotions, but regarding the happiness of positive emotion, similar tendency was demonstrated. These results are consistent with the findings obtained from previous studies on the tendency of facial expression recognition between healthy individuals and those with traits of ASD.