Mechanisms of impairments in visual social attention in autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Atypical visual social attention and cortical activation have been documented in autism spectrum disorders, yet the source of this deficit remains unclear. We tried to review three perspectives about mechanisms of such impairments: atypical sensory processing, social deficit and Bayesian model. Among these perspectives, Bayesian model is a comprehensive one that explains abnormal social attention in ASD group in a bottom-up and top-down manner. It is unknown, however, whether Bayesian model can be recognized as a unified model that accounts for abnormal social attention in individuals with ASD. Finally, we offered some insights to future studies on social attention in ASD. Future research should test different theories from various levels and find effective behavioral and neurocognitive markers for early diagnosis. It is a priority to take advantage of these theories or hypotheses to develop intervention and treatment tools, which may help to ameliorate ASD group’s social attention, and further, social functioning.