Could sensitivity to object authenticity be developmentally delayed in autism?

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder may reduce children's sensitivity to authenticity when valuing objects. Here, we investigate how autistic adults value authentic objects and how their judgements are influenced by ‘need to belong’ (NTB). Autistic adults (N = 41) and neurotypical adults (N = 89) answered questions about pairs of objects that differed on various authentic qualities. The groups did not differ in their awareness that authenticity mediates monetary worth and others’ perceptions of an object’s owner. However, the influence of authenticity was somewhat suppressed in autistic adults, who were generally less happy to own objects. Across populations, higher NTB was associated with increased desire to own objects and increased happiness associated with owning authentic objects specifically. These findings suggest that sensitivity to the value of authenticity could be developmentally delayed in autism, but differences in subjective appraisals of authentic objects may be a lifelong characteristic. • Autistic and neurotypical adults valued objects that differed on authentic qualities. • Authenticity and ‘need to belong’ influenced object valuations in both groups. • Autistic adults were less critical of inauthenticity and less happy to own objects. • Sensitivity to object authenticity may be developmentally delayed in autism. • Early differences in subjective object valuation endure into adulthood in autism.