Mimetic desire in autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Mimetic desire (MD), the spontaneous propensity to pursue goals that others pursue, is a case of social influence that is believed to shape preferences. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by both atypical interests and altered social interaction. We investigated whether MD is lower in adults with ASD compared to typically developed adults and whether MD correlates with social anhedonia and social judgment, two aspects of atypical social functioning in autism. Contrary to our hypotheses, MD was similarly present in both ASD and control groups. Anhedonia and social judgment differed between the ASD and control groups but did not correlate with MD. These results extend previous findings by suggesting that basic mechanisms of social influence are preserved in autism. The finding of intact MD in ASD stands against the intuitive idea that atypical interests stem from reduced social influence and indirectly favors the possibility that special interests might be selected for their intrinsic properties.

Should we change targets and methods of early intervention in autism, in favor of a strengths-based education?

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“…Mimetic desire, the spontaneous propensity to pursue goals that others pursue, is a basic case of social influence that is believed to implicitly shape preferences based on tacit observation of others' behaviours (Lebreton et al 2012). Mimetic desire has been found intact in autistic adults (Forgeot d'Arc et al 2016), suggesting that autistic atypical interests are likely to have other determinants than a lack of influence by one's peers' interests. Autistics are also influenced by stereotypes shared in their social environment (de C Hamilton & Krendl 2007;Hirschfeld et al 2007).…”

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“…Mimetic desire, the spontaneous propensity to pursue goals that others pursue, is a basic case of social influence that is believed to implicitly shape preferences based on tacit observation of others’ behaviours (Lebreton et al 2012). Mimetic desire has been found intact in autistic adults (Forgeot d'Arc et al 2016), suggesting that autistic atypical interests are likely to have other determinants than a lack of influence by one's peers’ interests. Autistics are also influenced by stereotypes shared in their social environment (de C Hamilton & Krendl 2007; Hirschfeld et al 2007).…”