Understanding the Social Nature of Autism: From Clinical Manifestations to Brain Mechanisms

Abstract

In this chapter, we selectively review some aspects of this unique constellation of social difficulties noted in autism and related ASD both as they manifest clinically and as they may be related to brain mechanisms. In summarizing these results, we argue for a new conceptualization of autism that emphasizes these social learning problems as central. We should note that it is a testament to the field that this review cannot aim, in the space available, to be anything but selective, highlighting those aspects of social difficulties that appear to us most salient in terms of clinical or research relevance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)