Autism is a neurological disorder affecting a person’s communication abilities, social skills and behavior. Additionally, some researchers suggest that there are certain facial features that may be associated with autism. Understanding these facial features can help us better recognize and support those with ASD. Join the experts at Flywheel Centers, a state-of-the-art ABA therapy center, as we take a closer look at autism facial features.
Do Autism Facial Features Exist?
Scientists at the University of Missouri found that children with autism do have certain facial features that set them apart from other children. Their study investigated the difference in facial features between 64 boys with autism and 40 typically developing boys.
This study was carried out using 3D digital stereophotogrammetry, a camera system that captures a 3 dimensional image of the head. Researchers marked 17 points on the children’s faces, such as the corner of the eye and the divot in the upper lip.
The study found that the boys with autism showed distinct facial features not found in the typically developing boys.
These features included:
- Autism head shape/autism forehead: Most boys with autism presented with a broader upper face.
- Autism eye shape: Boys with autism often had prominent or wide-set eyes.
- Autism mouth shape: Many of the boys with autism had a thin upper lip and a short philtrum.
- Autism nose: Many boys with autism presented with a wider nose than the others.
The study also found that facial morphologies (shape and structure) corresponded to different behavioral traits and the severity of the condition. The boys were divided into two subgroups. The results are displayed in the table below:
| Group | Characteristics | Associated Symptoms |
| Subgroup 1 | Wider mouths, short gap between the top of their mouths and bottom of their eyes | Severe symptoms – language impairment, learning disabilities, and seizures |
| Subgroup 2 | Large foreheads, short distance between the base of their nose and the border of their lips. | Milder symptoms – high-functioning |
Do Autistic People Have More Masculine Features?
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that boys and girls with autism have facial features that are more male than female.
They closely examined the facial compositions of 54 autistic and 54 non-autistic boys, as well as 20 autistic and 60 non-autistic girls. They analyzed the faces of these participants for 11 facial features generally associated with a person’s gender.
The study found that boys and girls with autism had more distinct facial similarities than the non-autistic boys and girls.
Do Physical Characteristics of Autism Indicate Specific Difficulties?
Prominent facial masculinity is associated with social-communication issues in individuals with autism. Autistic children that have a more masculine look often struggle with social interaction more than those that do not share this characteristic. This indicated that facial masculinity is not just a physical trait but can also be a visual marker for assessing social communication challenges in autism.
The Science Behind an “Autistic Face”
The connection between genetic and environmental factors is being studied to understand how these components contribute to the development of facial features unique to individuals with autism.
Influence of Genetics on Facial Traits of Autism
Genetic factors do play a large role in the development of facial features associated with an autism appearance. Research shows that different facial features found in those with autism may be a result of prenatal exposures to certain substances or due to specific genes, such as those involved in:
- Brain development
- Hormone levels
- Sensory sensitivities
Siblings of autistic individuals have a higher likelihood of displaying similar traits, suggesting a heritable component. Studies have also identified variations in certain genes that may be linked to craniofacial anomalies observed in some individuals with autism.
Influence of the Environment on Autistic Facial Features
Environmental factors can significantly impact the development of facial features in individuals with autism. Facial features of autism are often linked to maternal exposure during pregnancy to substances such as:
- Toxins
- Chemicals
- Medications
When the environmental influences occur during critical periods of fetal development, they may disrupt proper growth, contributing to dysmorphologies in children with ASD.
The Link Between Prenatal Development and ASD Traits
Autism studies have shown that prenatal brain development is also connected to the typical autism appearance.
The table below displays the different factors that may contribute to an autistic face:
| Genetic Factors | Environmental Factors | Prenatal Links |
| Heritable traits | Maternal exposure to toxins | Brain structure anomalies |
| Craniofacial gene variations | Medication effects | Features connected to severity of ASD |
| Sibling correlation | Maternal exposure to chemicals | Development disruption |
Can Facial Features Be Used as an ASD Diagnostic Tool?
While certain physical characteristics may be more common amongst individuals with autism, they should not be the sole basis for a diagnosis. Professional clinicians are trained to be able to evaluate the complete spectrum of symptoms, including facial features. Ongoing research continues to explore the potential of facial analysis technologies and deep learning for accurate diagnoses of autism based on physical traits.
Using AI for Autism Diagnoses
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about great support in analyzing facial features related to autism. AI systems have the ability to detect specific facial features associated with autism, such as the autism eye shape, wide-set eyes and broader upper face, as signs of autism.
Machine learning algorithms, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), have been able to classify autism amongst other disorders. CNN has been utilized to study facial photographs and accurately identify autism in children. Research suggests that AI is 80.5% accurate in this area.
Using 3D Photogrammetry to Recognize Autism Facial Features
3D photogrammetry has been used to identify specific facial features associated with autism. This technology allows for perfect measurements of facial characteristics by creating detailed three-dimensional models. The use of such a tool lays the foundation for potential diagnostic biomarkers based on physical traits.
By utilizing these advanced technologies and the influence of facial features, healthcare professionals can improve early detection and intervention that have the potential to enhance the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Early Intervention Resulting From Autism Facial Features
The ability to recognize facial features connected to autism through genetic factors will pave the path for early detection and intervention. Research indicates that children who receive medical intervention under the age of two show better IQ scores compared to those diagnosed after four years of age.
If further research determines exactly how autistic people look different, it will be possible to diagnose autism by facial features, and not only when the child is already a toddler and behaving differently; thus, there can be timely intervention that can assist with social communication and behavioral needs.
Increasing Awareness of Autism Due to Facial Features
Autistic people are known to experience stigma. They are all too familiar with prejudice and discrimination. This stigma is primarily caused by public and professional understanding of autism in combination with their visible autistic traits. Poor understanding of autism behaviors and only focusing on the physical appearance can cause individuals with autism to be viewed poorly.
Increasing awareness about autism facial features means others may be able to identify autistic people, leading them to be more inclusive and supportive.
Does Autism Have Physical Features Aside From Facial Features?
Significant physical characteristics besides for facial features can be found specifically in people with autism. The various physical characteristics of autism include facial expressions, body language, and movement:
Physical Expressions of Autism
- Eye contact and gaze: Holding eye contact and interpreting social cues through gaze can be difficult for individuals with autism. They might look away during a conversation or avoid direct eye contact. This behavior is not to appear disinterested: it comes from differences in social understanding.
- Facial expressions: People with autism often exhibit atypical facial expressions. This can make it challenging for others to be able to read their emotions and understand their intentions.
Autism Body Language and Movement
- Repetitive behaviors: Behaviors like repetitive hand movement, rocking, or flapping are commonly observed in people with autism. They might engage in these behaviors for a few reasons, such as self-soothing or sensory regulation. They often use these movements as a coping technique.
- Motor skills and coordination: Difficulties with motor skills is a common characteristic of autism. This difficulty can manifest itself in various ways, including poor coordination, challenges with fine motor skills such as using utensils or writing, and difficulties with gross motor skills like running or jumping.
- Sensory sensitivities: Individuals with autism might also experience sensory sensitivities or differences. They are often hypersensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, smells, and textures. This impacts their quality of life, because it can cause stress, anxiety, and/or avoidance of certain settings or activities.
- Autism gait: Many individuals with autism may display an atypical posture. They might have unusual body positions or alignment, such as standing or sitting in uncommon positions. Some might have difficulties with maintaining an upright posture or exhibit stiffness in their movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all individuals with autism exhibit the same facial features?
Not all individuals with autism will exhibit the same typical autistic facial features and some may not display any facial difference at all. However, there are specific features that are strongly connected to autism because they are much more frequently seen in those with ASD compared to the general population.
Can facial features reliably indicate autism in children?
Despite the advances in using facial traits to diagnose ASD, facial features alone should not form the basis of an autism diagnosis. Although these distinct facial features may indicate autism, they are not definitive indicators and can also be found in non-autistic people. Further research is integral to accurately understand how these physical characteristics relate to autism, ensuring that individuals are not misdiagnosed.
Autism Facial Features Summarized
While there are certain potential autism facial features and physical characteristics, it is important to remember that these features are not definite indicators of autism. Autism is a complex neurological condition that shows up differently in each individual diagnosed with ASD.
Flywheel Centers understands the complexities of autism and offers personalized ABA therapy services to meet the unique needs of each child. Contact Flywheel Centers today to learn more about our comprehensive ABA therapy services.
