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Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Social Conformity in Autism
Stephanie C Lazzaro1,2,3, Laura Weidinger4,5, Rose A Cooper4,6
1Affective Brain Lab, Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, UK. s.lazzaro@ucl.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Humans are extremely susceptible to social influence. Here, we examine whether this susceptibility is altered in autism, a condition characterized by social difficulties. Autistic participants (N = 22) and neurotypical controls (N = 22) completed a memory test of previously seen words and were then exposed to answers supposedly given by four other individuals. Autistic individuals and controls were as likely to alter their judgements to align with inaccurate responses of group members. These changes reflected both temporary judgement changes (public conformity) and long-lasting memory changes (private conformity). Both groups were more susceptible to answers believed to be from other humans than from computer algorithms. Our results suggest that autistic individuals and controls are equally susceptible to social influence when reporting their memories.
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These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

