Challenging Weak Central Coherence: A Brief Exploration of Neurological Evidence from Visual Processing and Linguistic Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Previous theories have attempted to locate the root cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in terms of a typical central cognitive processes. However, the field of neuroscience is increasingly finding structural and functional differences between autistic and neuro-typical individuals using neuro-imaging technology which either support or challenge earlier cognitive theories. One main area upon which this research has focused is in visuospatial processing, with specific attention to the notion of “weak central coherence” (WCC), which refers to the tendency of individuals with ASD to be unable to interpret “global” information while hyper-focusing on local information. The current paper offers a brief review of findings from selected studies in order to explore available research that challenges the “deficit” characterization of a WCC theory as opposed to a “superiority” characterization of a strong local coherence.