The relationship between eye gaze patterns and core characteristics of autism has been explored in numerous studies. Researchers have examined how gaze relates to social attention, repetitive behaviors, and intense preferred interests. Below is an overview of key findings across these areas.
Social Attention and Eye Gaze
A number of eye-tracking studies have examined how autistic individuals attend to social versus nonsocial information. These studies consistently show that autistic individuals tend to focus more on nonsocial elements than on social ones (Nayar et al., 2022).
Some research suggests that increased attention to faces may be associated with improved social functioning. However, it is important to interpret these findings with caution. Many studies have relied on samples that are predominantly white and male, limiting generalizability. Additionally, other research has not found a strong or consistent relationship between face-looking and social ability (Riddiford et al., 2022).

Repetitive Movements and Eye Gaze
Research has also explored how gaze patterns relate to repetitive behaviors. One study found that children being evaluated for autism showed a preference for predictable, repetitive movements over random ones (Omori, 2025).
Similar findings were reported in a 2021 study in which autistic children viewed videos of both repetitive and random movements. Most participants showed a clear preference for repetitive motion, regardless of whether the stimuli were geometric or biological.
However, researchers emphasize caution when interpreting these results. Due to the high variability among autistic individuals, visual preferences alone should not be used as a screening tool (Li et al., 2021). Individual differences remain an important consideration.
Intense Preferred Interests and Eye Gaze
Fewer studies have examined the relationship between eye gaze and intensely preferred interests. One 2023 eye-tracking study of toddlers investigated visual attention to different object types. Researchers presented images of 24 objects: half were nonsocial items (such as vehicles and appliances) and half were neutral items (such as balloons and hats) (Sun et al., 2023).
Participants viewed each image for 10 seconds. Toddlers who showed greater visual attention to nonsocial objects also scored higher on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2), a widely recognized gold-standard diagnostic tool. These participants also had higher scores on the ADOS-2 subscale measuring restricted and repetitive behaviors.
The study sample was not large enough to examine gender differences in depth. However, researchers noted that restricted interests may be less frequent or less observable in females, which can make them more difficult to identify.

Gaze Patterns and Autism
Eye-tracking research highlights meaningful connections between gaze patterns and autism-related traits. While these methods are not yet established as standalone diagnostic tools, they can provide valuable supplementary insights.
Comprehensive autism assessments typically include well-established assessments such as the ADOS-2. Additional tools may also be used, including:
- MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition):
- Focuses on:
- Social relationships and emotional responses
- Language and communication
- Sensory use and interests
- SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition):
- Measures social responsiveness across the lifespan, from 30 months through adulthood
Early identification of autism can play an important role in supporting a child’s developmental outcomes, including social, emotional, and cognitive growth.


















