Reduced relationship-specific social touching and atypical association with emotional bonding in autistic adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Studies have reported aberrant sensory responses, including altered experiences of social touch, in individuals with ASD. However, the relationship between atypical social touch and social networks in ASD remains poorly understood. Social touch is used to strengthen and manage social networks in many species. Studies in general populations across diverse cultures show that the extent of permissible touch is consistently linked to the strength of emotional bonds between the toucher and the touched individual. This study examined relationship-specific patterns of social touch and their association with emotional bonding in

SUBMITTER: Fukuoka A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12107774 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature