What the heck is an autistic look?

[Bel]

I've been told on a couple of occasions that I have an "autistic look" and I'm pretty sure they meant it non maliciously.

"Yeah I find Aspergers people have this look I think it's like, the eyes"

What the heck does that mean? Has anyone else experienced that?

 

[Kirsty]

You can't really tell, I think. People may judge someone as autistic, but it could be another condition. I have heard bigger than average heads may be one indication. I have a big head. Then, some don't...

 

[DogwoodTree]

I wonder if they're referring more to body language, and the facial expressions that involve looking away more, or whatever.

Do you think there's a pattern to the aspie body language? I tend to face my head down a little more than other people do, and look up from my eyes. People have said that expression looks like what Princess Diana used to do. (Plus I'm blonde and blue eyes, so the connection is even stronger in their minds.)

 

[Kirsty]

I wonder if they're referring more to body language, and the facial expressions that involve looking away more, or whatever.

Do you think there's a pattern to the aspie body language? I tend to face my head down a little more than other people do, and look up from my eyes. People have said that expression looks like what Princess Diana used to do. (Plus I'm blonde and blue eyes, so the connection is even stronger in their minds.)

Maybe. Princess Diana had BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), which has similar traits to Aspergers, apparently. Not sure if she is on the spectrum, though.

 

[GoofKing]

You mean 'Autistic look' like when I look angry when I'm really not or sad when I'm thinking about something ? People even told me that I have some sort of blank look when I'm talking to someone.

 

[wyverary]

When you say that they sense an "autistic look" I am assuming it's not just from viewing you at a standstill; there are some giveaways, as far as gait, body language, the way you hold yourself. Heaven knows I've gotten quite good at spotting them, I think, within a minute or so of being in their presence.

 

[AsheSkyler]

The Aspie I knew always had an air of apprehension and tenseness. Very wary. Probably from getting picked on so much, so he got in the habit of being on edge.

 

[Maelstrom]

"Bel, post: 188081, member: 11597"]I've been told on a couple of occasions that I have an "autistic look" and I'm pretty sure they meant it non maliciously.

"Yeah I find Aspergers people have this look I think it's like, the eyes"

What the heck does that mean? Has anyone else experienced that?

Hi Bel, I doubt there is just one look and this may be trash talk some what. Since I have some auti and aspie I can speak a little on them but I don't know the other AS things to well so maybe some one else can comment on them. With auti looking away during a conversation to process new stuff, it is charming in girls because they look shy. Also the flat faced stunned fish look comes if overload shut down is kicking in. I do not know what melt down looks like it has happened a couple of times to me, but I sort of blacked out during it. With the aspie thing a flat unresponsive face I guess, like if my girlfriend said I love you suddenly and I may sit there for a couple of minuets like a lump, (which makes me feel bad), and then I would reach over and give her a hug or kiss, and chances are I may forget to say it back, ( which would make me feel even worse). Sigh!
I reject any physical look thing, unless you want to say I look too hot for my age.

 

[Maelstrom]

Maybe. Princess Diana had BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), which has similar traits to Aspergers, apparently. Not sure if she is on the spectrum, though.

Ooh don't say that Kirsty I thought Princess Diana was so hot!

 

[Keith]

I move my tongue around in my cheeks when I'm trying to concentrate. When I'm thinking, I ether look up or squint one eye. Sometimes I scrunch up the side of my mouth.

This sometimes causes my mom to ask me if I'm ok.

 

[ayoungaspie]

You can't really tell, I think. People may judge someone as autistic, but it could be another condition. I have heard bigger than average heads may be one indication. I have a big head. Then, some don't...

I think I read a study about a link between head size and autism. My head definitely is a bit out of proportion to my body -- I am only a 5ft 4in male so it kinda sucks because I have the head of a man of average height.

 

[Tom]

Identifying the possibility of a connection between autism and certain facial features has been the subject of several studies in recent years. Personnal observations by people thinking there is a 'look' have been rolling around for a long time and scientific studies do seem to be verifying there are some traits that occur more frequently with ASD. Here are two. You can find more doing search with 'autism facial features'.

3D Face Scans That Spot Early Autism and Help Identify Genes Responsible (VIDEO)

Is it autism? Facial features that show disorder - Photo 1 - Pictures - CBS News

 

[Kirsty]

I think I read a study about a link between head size and autism. My head definitely is a bit out of proportion to my body -- I am only a 5ft 4in male so it kinda sucks because I have the head of a man of average height.

Same. I have a large head being female. 23 inches which is above average for a man, and I'm thin, 5 ft 7. It's definitely out of proportion for my body especially from side view which I'm self conscious about.

 

[ayoungaspie]

That's really interesting about facial features. Like I said I do have a rather large head for my body, but I also have quite wide eyes and lips too, I've even been told sometimes that my pupils look dilated.

Another thing I'm wondering is there some correlation between autism and late puberty? At the age of 15 I was very short for my age (something like 4ft 9-10 inches!) and hadn't shown any signs of puberty, and my parents decided to take me to see a growth specialist. He said I had something called constitutional growth delay which is basically just a technical way of saying someone is a late bloomer but normal. I'm now 18 and a half, have grown quite a bit, but still look like someone who is 15-16. I guess maybe autistic bodies develop slower?

 

[apsie]

Power of suggestion, I immagine.

 

[JMcCauley]

I think there is something different about the way aspies move our eyes that NTs see as different. I feel like I can tell in some cases, even from pictures, and for some reason I find aspie women more attractive on average.

 

[Nacho]

I think what you said is right,

Power of suggestion, I immagine.

 

[Ylva]

You mean 'Autistic look' like when I look angry when I'm really not or sad when I'm thinking about something ? People even told me that I have some sort of blank look when I'm talking to someone.

Or a look that makes you identifiable as an autistic.

 

[BIMOG]

I have seen elsewhere online an "autistic look" referred to as a "doll stare."

I guess it's when you apparently stare at something but your mind is elsewhere, so you're not even aware that you're staring at all.