New research adds significant nuance to our understanding of gesture use in autism

In new research published in Psychological Bulletin, a team of scientists from Macquarie University and Griffith University have found that individuals with autism tend to produce fewer gestures like pointing and emblematic gestures compared to their neurotypical peers, but the difference in iconic gestures, which represent concrete objects, is less apparent. The comprehensive review highlights the complexity and diversity within the autism spectrum, paving the way for more nuanced approaches in both research and practice. “Although there are multiple criteria for diagnosing autism, a reduced ...