Facial Expression Production in Autism: A Meta-Analysis
Dominic A Trevisan1, Maureen Hoskyn1, Elina Birmingham1
1Centre for Research on Early Child Health & Education, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Summary
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show differences in facial expression production compared to neurotypical individuals. These differences in facial expressions are influenced by age, intellectual functioning, and how expressions are elicited.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Facial expressions are crucial for social communication and interaction.
- Previous research suggests potential differences in facial expression production in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze studies comparing facial expression production in individuals with ASD versus neurotypical or non-autistic clinical comparison groups.
- To identify specific domains of facial expression production where differences exist and to explore moderators of these differences.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 67 effect sizes from studies examining group differences in facial expression production.
- Subgroup analyses were conducted based on specific facial expression abilities and participant characteristics.
- Moderator analyses explored the influence of matching procedures, age, and intellectual functioning.
Main Results:
- A moderate overall effect size (-0.481) indicated differences in facial expression production between individuals with ASD and comparison groups.
- Participants with ASD displayed facial expressions less frequently, for shorter durations, and were less likely to share or automatically mimic expressions.
- Facial expressions in ASD were judged to be lower in quality and less accurate, but not less intense or slower to initiate.
- Differences were moderated by age, intellectual functioning, and elicitation method (covert vs. explicit).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with ASD exhibit atypical facial expression production in terms of frequency, duration, sharing, mimicry, quality, and accuracy.
- Higher intellectual functioning and more life experience in individuals with ASD correlated with facial expressions more consistent with neurotypical norms.
- Individuals with ASD may produce facial expressions differently naturally but show less impairment when explicitly prompted in laboratory settings.
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