Abstract
Some individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have perceptual/cognitive characteristics that are superior to those of typically developing individuals (TD). In particular, the superior local/detail focus of processing by individuals with autistic spectrum disorder may be an adaptive mechanism for managing what is for them an overabundance of visual information, although there is also a possibility that this local focus may be disadvantageous in social interactions. Based on a review of a large number of findings of recent studies, the present article describes some compensatory abilities and suggests directions for special educational support for individuals with autistic spectrum disorder. The findings of the present review suggest that local and global processing by individuals with autistic spectrum disorder may be independent mechanisms. Support that encourages local processing is not likely to interfere with their social abilities. Rather, people supporting individuals with autistic spectrum disorder should attend to the adaptive aspects of local processing. In addition, it is important to cope with the difficulty that individuals with autistic spectrum disorder have in switching their attention from a local to a global level. Social interactions using imitation may be one of the most effective components of early intervention.
