The autistic child's recognition of age- and sex-related characteristics of people.

Researchers showed pictures of faces to autistic kids and to matched peers. The kids had to pick the face that fit an age or sex cue, like 'point to the grown-up' or 'find the girl.'

The task tested whether autistic children could spot age and sex from facial features alone.

Autistic children picked the wrong face far more often than their peers. They had trouble using faces to judge who was older, younger, male, or female.

The gap showed a clear social-perceptual deficit, not just a delay.

Golan et al. (2018) extends this result. They found autistic kids also misread emotions from faces, especially surprise and anger. Together, the studies show face-based deficits span age, sex, and emotion cues.

Matson et al. (2013) seems to disagree at first glance. Their autistic teens scored typical accuracy on emotion tasks despite odd eye movements. The key difference: the 1987 task forced quick age/sex choices, while the 2013 task let kids take their time. Speed demands, not lack of skill, may expose the deficit.

McGonigle et al. (2014) adds a practical layer. Preschoolers with autism looked away from faces when favorite objects were nearby. If toys pull their eyes, teaching face skills in a toy-free space could help.

Check your social-skills program for age and sex modules. If none exist, add fast, face-only drills: flash cards, matching games, or 'find the adult' contests. Run them in quiet, low-distractor spots to keep eyes on faces. Track correct picks to see if explicit teaching closes the gap Hobson (1987) first revealed.