Attentional shifting differences in autism: Domain general, domain specific or both?

Atypical attention is considered to have an important role in the development of autism. Yet, it remains unclear whether these attentional difficulties are specific social domain. This study aimed examine orienting autistic and non-autistic adults from non-social stimuli. We utilised a modified gap–overlap task with schematic images (Experiment 1: = 27 26) photographs 2: 18 17). Eye-tracking data (i.e. saccadic latencies) were then compared across condition type stimulus (social or non-social) using multilevel modelling. Autistic exhibited mostly typical gap overlap effects, as well bias towards participants benefitted exogenous disengagement when information more than participants. Neither domain general nor domain–specific account for atypicalities autism was supported separately. subtle combined differences revealed condition. Lay abstract Previous research has shown that individuals look at other people less orient them slowly others. still if this represents visual (e.g. slower looking any new information, not) uniquely difference only humans but not objects). Here, we how quickly away faces) squares houses). used shifting two where sometimes first image disappears before appears (makes easier notice image) times stays on screen appears. In Experiment 1, showed faces 26 adults, 2, houses 17 adults. general, looked similarly faster disappeared appeared. shows may find their already occupied.