The results of our control experiment demonstrate that the atypical dynamics of binocular rivalry evidenced in ASC cannot be attributed to any nonperceptual differences between the two groups, such as response latency or response criteria. During the control experiment, when there were physical changes in the stimuli simulating rivalry alternations, individuals with and without ASC reported a similar proportion of image transitions, and no group differences in the duration of dominant or mixed-images were observed (all ps > 0.53).
Overall, the two groups responded to a comparable proportion of simulated rivalry alternations (Control, 87 ± 15%; ASC, 88 ± 13%, p < 0.71). Critically, individuals with and without ASC also exhibited comparable response latencies to report both single- and mixed-image stimuli. During our sudden-onset control experiment, both groups exhibited comparable response latencies to report the onset of single-, F(1, 45) = 0.217, p < 0.64 and mixed-image stimuli, F(1, 45) = 0.4, p < 0.53. No other main effects or interactions were observed (all ps > 0.64). These results indicate that both groups evidence similar motor latencies to detect sudden stimulus onsets. Likewise, during our smooth-onset control experiment, no differences were observed between the two groups' response criteria to report the onset of single-, F(1, 45) = 3.3, p < 0.076, or mixed-image, F(1, 45) = 1.145, p < 0.29, stimuli, and no other main effects or interactions were observed (all ps > 0.64). These results indicate that both groups also exhibit comparable perceptual response criteria to judge the borders between simulated perceptual transitions. In sum, these results demonstrate that any differences in the dynamics of binocular rivalry in autism do not arise from simple differences in the speed or criteria of report.