Autismo: Inteligencia detrás de la Mirada Evasiva: Autism: Intelligence Behind the Avoidant Gaze

Wilfredo José Molina Wills; Vanessa Mireya Rodríguez de Molina

doi:10.29394/Scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.13.275-296

Authors

Wilfredo José Molina Wills ISAE Universidad, ISAE https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7233-4972
Vanessa Mireya Rodríguez de Molina Universidad de Los Andes, ULA https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8173-9249

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29394/Scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.13.275-296

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorder, eye contact, sensory processing, neurodiversity, intelligence

Abstract

This research analyzes the relationship between gaze aversion and intelligence in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is based on the premise that this behavior does not indicate cognitive deficit but neurobiological differences in sensory and social processing. Through a systematic review with a quantitative approach, 31 studies selected from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, among others, were analyzed, evaluating their quality with the CASP tool. Results reveal that gaze aversion functions as an adaptive strategy to: regulate sensory overload, reduce social anxiety, and optimize information processing. Therapeutic interventions show success rates above 75% when respecting these neurological differences. Six dimensions were identified that explain reduced eye contact: sensory, socioemotional, neurological, cognitive, contextual, and interventions. The conclusion is that gaze aversion represents a manifestation of neurodiversity that coexists with unique cognitive abilities, not an intellectual limitation. This reconceptualization has significant implications for developing inclusive educational practices that recognize alternative communication and learning pathways, implement cognitive assessments independent of eye contact, and adapt environments to facilitate information processing in individuals with ASD.

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Author Biographies

Wilfredo José Molina Wills, ISAE Universidad, ISAE

Nacido en el estado Sucre, Venezuela, 25 de junio del año 1955. PhD. en Biología celular y molecular por la Escuela de Medicina Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), Venezuela; estudios postdoctorales en cultivos neuronales por el Departamento de Fisiología de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA); Venezuela; Magíster en investigación por la Universidad de Carabobo (UC), Venezuela; Magister en recursos humanos por la Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencia y Tecnología (UMECIT), Panamá; asesor en investigación y planes de estudios en Panamá; coordinador de publicaciones científicas en ISAE Universidad (ISAE), Panamá; Miembro Editorial Boards de revistas científicas internacionales; revisor internacional de artículos científicos; editor de la Revista Rejurlat (e-ISSN: 2710-7779) y Espila de ISAE Universidad (ISAE), Panamá; poseo artículos publicados a nivel internacional sobre neurociencias, metodología de investigación y autismo.

Vanessa Mireya Rodríguez de Molina, Universidad de Los Andes, ULA

Nacida en Caracas, Venezuela, el 28 de noviembre del año 1977. Odontólogo egresado de la Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), Venezuela; con Estudios de Especialización de Postgrado en Ortopedia Dento-facial por el Colegio de Odontólogos (COV), Venezuela; Postgrado en Medicina Cosmética por la Universidad de Carabobo (UC), Venezuela; he participado en actividades científicas sobre autismo y educación especial; Autora de trabajos de investigación publicados a nivel internacional.

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Autism: Intelligence Behind the Avoidant Gaze