Information transfer within and between autistic and non-autistic people

Catherine J. Crompton (), Sarah J. Foster, Charlotte E. H. Wilks, Michelle Dodd, Themis N. Efthimiou, Danielle Ropar, Noah J. Sasson, Martin Lages and Sue Fletcher-Watson
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Catherine J. Crompton: University of Edinburgh
Sarah J. Foster: The University of Texas at Dallas
Charlotte E. H. Wilks: University of Nottingham
Michelle Dodd: University of Edinburgh
Themis N. Efthimiou: University of Edinburgh
Danielle Ropar: University of Nottingham
Noah J. Sasson: The University of Texas at Dallas
Martin Lages: University of Glasgow
Sue Fletcher-Watson: University of Edinburgh

Nature Human Behaviour, 2025, vol. 9, issue 7, 1488-1500

Abstract: Abstract Autism is clinically defined by social communication deficits, suggesting that autistic people may be less effective at sharing information, particularly with one another. However, recent research indicates that neurotype mismatches, rather than autism itself, degrade information sharing. Here, using the diffusion chain method, we examined information transfer in autistic, non-autistic and mixed-neurotype chains (N = 311), replicating and extending a key study. We hypothesized that information transfer would deteriorate faster and rapport would be lower in mixed-neurotype compared with single-neurotype chains. Additionally, we examined whether informing participants of the diagnostic status of their chain and whether information was fictional or factual impacted performance and rapport. We found no difference in information transfer between single-neurotype and mixed-neurotype chains. Non-autistic chains indicated higher rapport, and disclosing diagnosis improved rapport. This result challenges assumptions about autistic communication deficits but contrasts with prior findings. Enhanced participant heterogeneity and methodological differences may explain these unexpected results. Protocol registration The Stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 23 August 2022. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at https://osf.io/us9c7/ .

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02163-z

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