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This Optical Illusion May Help Identify Autistic Traits in Seconds
In recent years, scientists have discovered that optical illusions can be more than just entertaining brain tricks — they may actually offer insight into how our minds work, and in some cases, reveal important neurological traits. One such illusion has caught the attention of researchers for its potential to help identify autistic traits — in just a matter of seconds.
The Illusion: What Do You See First?
The illusion in question appears deceptively simple: an image where multiple elements are layered into a single visual. What you see first — whether it’s the big picture or the fine details — may reveal how your brain interprets visual information.
In one version of this illusion, people are shown a shape made up of smaller shapes — for example, a large letter “H” made of small letter “S”s. Depending on which you notice first, researchers can get a clue about your cognitive processing style.
Local vs. Global Processing
This test plays on the idea of local vs. global perception:
- Global processing means you first notice the overall shape or big picture.
- Local processing means you focus on the individual details first.
People on the autism spectrum are often more likely to focus on local details rather than the global whole. This is a key trait of enhanced perceptual functioning, a cognitive style commonly observed in autistic individuals.
“Autistic individuals tend to process the world in a more detail-oriented way, and this can show up in something as simple as how they interpret an optical illusion,” explains Dr. Helen Eaton, a neuropsychologist specializing in autism research.
The Research Behind It
Several studies, including those published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, have used these types of illusions (known as Navon tasks) to explore visual processing differences between autistic and neurotypical individuals.
In one study, researchers found that participants who noticed the smaller components of an illusion before the overall figure were more likely to score higher on assessments of autistic traits — even if they weren’t formally diagnosed with autism.
This suggests that how a person perceives certain images could be a quick, non-invasive way to screen for neurodivergent traits.
Important Caveats
- This is not a diagnostic tool.
The illusion may help indicate cognitive style, but only a qualified professional can diagnose autism. -
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