Overview

• Researchers observed 30 mixed-trait groups of four, each with two high and two low autistic‑trait participants, during passive story listening and active turn‑taking discussion while recording brain activity with fNIRS.
• Participants with comparable levels of autistic traits reported stronger interpersonal attraction during group discussions, especially when their opinions aligned.
• Brain‑to‑brain synchrony depended on both trait similarity and context, with low‑trait pairs exhibiting greater alignment during passive listening.
• Active discussions showed different neural networks engaged by low‑ and high‑trait pairs, aligning with theories that emphasize differences in coordination rather than a uniform deficit.
• Authors suggest structuring turn taking and tailoring interaction settings to promote social attunement and reduce social fatigue for autistic people.