Abstract
Some perceptual theories of autism have postulated that autistics (and others along the spectrum) may process visual information at an “earlier” level. For example, hierarchical stimuli may be processed at a more local level, and there may be less susceptibility to visual illusions of size and shape that rely on contextual information. The current experiments tested perceptual grouping in autistics and those with Asperger's Syndrome, setting up a 2AFC procedure where one choice corresponded to grouping at an “early” or more retinal level, and the other choice corresponded to grouping at a “later” level, after such processes as amodal completion and illusory contour formation. Results did not support a difference in processing styles between adolescents on the autistic spectrum and controls, suggesting that if there is a difference in perceptual organization, it is subtle.
The Groden Center, Providence, RI.