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Understanding visual consciousness in autism spectrum disorders
1Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Israel ; Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|May 9, 2015
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show typical basic visual perception (phenomenal consciousness). Their perceptual differences stem from atypical cognitive integration, not fundamental processing deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by diverse perceptual differences.
- Previous theories suggested basic perceptual deficits in individuals with ASD.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for cognitive and neurological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate visual perceptual differences between individuals with ASD and typically developing (TD) individuals.
- To challenge the notion of deficient phenomenal consciousness in ASD.
- To propose a cognitive-level explanation for perceptual atypicality in autism.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of perceptual processing models (Ben Shalom, Jackendoff, Lamme).
- Examination of visual processing levels: basic (second-level) and cognitive (third-level).
- Theoretical argument based on existing data regarding perceptual atypicality in ASD.
Main Results:
- Individuals with ASD exhibit typical second-level visual processing, indicative of intact phenomenal consciousness.
- Atypicality in autism is primarily localized to the third level of processing, involving cognitive and conceptual integration.
- Basic perceptual experiences in ASD are likely similar to TD individuals, with differences in cognitive access.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual differences in ASD are not due to a deficiency in phenomenal consciousness.
- Atypicality is rooted in higher-level cognitive and conceptual integration of perceptual information.
- This framework refines our understanding of consciousness and perception in autism.
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