Abstract

MOLINA WILLS, Wilfredo José  and  RODRIGUEZ DE MOLINA, Vanessa Mireya. Autism: Intelligence Behind the Avoidant Gaze. Rev. Sci. [online]. 2025, vol.10, n.35, pp.275-296.  Epub Oct 02, 2025. ISSN 2542-2987.  https://doi.org/10.29394/scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.13.275-296.

This research analyzes the relationship between gaze aversion and intelligence in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is based on the premise that this behavior does not indicate cognitive deficit but neurobiological differences in sensory and social processing. Through a systematic review with a quantitative approach, 31 studies selected from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, among others, were analyzed, evaluating their quality with the CASP tool. Results reveal that gaze aversion functions as an adaptive strategy to: regulate sensory overload, reduce social anxiety, and optimize information processing. Therapeutic interventions show success rates above 75% when respecting these neurological differences. Six dimensions were identified that explain reduced eye contact: sensory, socioemotional, neurological, cognitive, contextual, and interventions. The conclusion is that gaze aversion represents a manifestation of neurodiversity that coexists with unique cognitive abilities, not an intellectual limitation. This reconceptualization has significant implications for developing inclusive educational practices that recognize alternative communication and learning pathways, implement cognitive assessments independent of eye contact, and adapt environments to facilitate information processing in individuals with ASD.

Keywords : autism spectrum disorder; eye contact; sensory processing; neurodiversity; intelligence.

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