Autistic Facial Expressions (article)

[SDRSpark]

This really resonates with my own experience.

Also, in the video, I thought Mike looked bored, not sad.

Research on facial expressions challenges the way we think about autism

 

[Ylva]

Deep down we always knew that all those stereotypes about autism are just neurotypicals projecting.

 

[Rasputin]

This really resonates with my own experience.

Also, in the video, I thought Mike looked bored, not sad.

Research on facial expressions challenges the way we think about autism

I know from looking at photos that my facial expressions do not match the emotions I am experiencing. I am not able to smile without deliberately practicing and faking it. Consequently when I am happy I often look angry. So if I have difficulty reading neurotypicals facial expressions, then neurotypicals definitely have trouble reading my expressions.

For example, take a look at three photos, two recent and one old photo from the 10th grade. The first photo was from a happy occassion. The second was a selfie when there was no emotion. In the high school photo I was trying to smile for a portrait.

 

[SDRSpark]

I used to practice facial expressions in the mirror.

I know a lot of the time my expression doesn't match what I'm actually feeling. At least not in a way that can easily be read by others. I think you have to know me really well in order to accurately read my facial expressions and body language and even then it's tricky if I'm masking.

 

[Ezra]

I am mostly dead pan. But sometimes when I am deep in thought I look a bit angry.

 

[Jumpinbare]

Apparently my resting face looks angry, because I am frequently not making any expression, can feel that my facial muscles are relaxed, and yet get asked why I'm angry. My father was the same way.

 

[lovely_darlingprettybaby]

This really resonates with my own experience.

Also, in the video, I thought Mike looked bored, not sad.

Research on facial expressions challenges the way we think about autism

I am good at reading facial expressions generally but not not always like talking about emotions or some things that other people like.
I get sad when I see a person sad and I think the face is interesting with various emotions and I think it is cute when people sometimes scrunch up their nose or have a big smile
And I get nervous and tired and do not always look or make eye contact
And I may at times make the weirdest expressions and I am just unaware of how bizarre I look when I think I look like a princess
And I think that is scary as an autistic is how weird do you look when u socialize with others