Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty recognizing the emotional states of others. Research indicates that this challenge may stem from an inability to distinguish various nonverbal expressions of emotion, such as facial expressions, from one another (Hobson, 1986).

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Individuals with ASD often exhibit social challenges, including:
- Difficulty recognizing the emotional states of others, which may be linked to an inability to differentiate between nonverbal cues like facial expressions.
- Avoidance of eye contact.
- Difficulty understanding the perspectives and feelings of others.
- Trouble interpreting body language.
- A tendency to speak at length about personal interests without recognizing a listener's lack of engagement.

ASD Social Problem Symptoms

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The diagnostic criteria that involve identifying socialization difficulties in those with Autism Spectrum Disorder may not be clearly evident in every autistic individual, as some individuals will attempt to mask, or hide, their autistic traits. Therefore, an autistic individual may:  

- Force eye contact
- Become hypervigilant towards others’ nonverbal cues and emotions 
- Avoid talking about their own intense interests in order to prevent themselves from rambling  
- Remain in overwhelming social situations despite having a desire to leave 

Masking can pose a significant obstacle to diagnosis for autistic individuals— their mask may be so convincing that clinicians do not notice their underlying autistic traits. Masking is particularly common in autistic women and those with an average to high IQ, and these individuals are the most likely to go undiagnosed. 

Masking in Autistic Individuals

Read the following scenario. Based on the typical social challenges associated with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, identify two of Leo's behaviors that exemplify these challenges and explain why they fit the diagnostic characteristics.

Analyzing a Social Interaction

Analyze the interaction described in the case study below. Identify two social challenges often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that are demonstrated and explain how the character's actions reflect these challenges.

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