though effects were also observed with happy, angry and neutral faces.
The findings of the study support the hypothesis of an excitatory / inhibitory imbalance in autism( excitatory refers to neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain while inhibitory refers to those that calm it and provide equilibrium). Such an imbalance, likely the result of diverse genetic and / perinatal causes, can serve to strengthen excitatory
synapses in the subcortical circuitry involved in face perception. This in turn can result in an abnormal reaction to eye contact, an aversive response to direct gaze, and consequently abnormal development of the social brain.
In elucidating the underlying reasons for eye-contact avoidance, the study also suggests more effective means of engaging individuals with autism.“ The findings indicate that forcing children with autism to look into the eyes in behavioral therapy may create a lot of anxiety for them,” Hadjikhani says,“ and that one should consider an approach in which a slow habituation to eyecontact may help them overcome this over-reaction. This could allow them to be able to handle eye contact in the long run, thereby avoiding the cascading effects that this eyeavoidance has on the development of the social brain.”
“ The findings demonstrate that the apparent lack of interpersonal interest in autism is not, contrary to what has been thought, due to a lack of concern.”
The researchers are already planning to follow up the research. Hadjikhani is now seeking funding for a study that will use magnetoencephalography( MEG) together with eye-tracking and other behavioral tests to probe more deeply the relationship between the subcortical system and difficulty with making eye contact in autism.
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