Recent scientific studies are challenging the widespread notion that autistic individuals are inherently more prone to believing conspiracy theories, fads, or social contagions. This comes as social media discussions, such as a recent tweet by user Crémieux, suggest the opposite, stating, > "It's actually the opposite: Autistic people fall for more conspiracy theories and fall prey to more fads and, oddly, things we associate with social contagion." However, a growing body of research indicates that an autism diagnosis does not inherently predict a higher conspiracy mentality.
For some time, researchers have explored two contrasting hypotheses regarding the relationship between autism and conspiracy beliefs. One theory, termed "autism as a risk factor," posited that experiences like social isolation or anxiety, common among autistic individuals, might increase vulnerability to such beliefs. Conversely, the "autism as a protective factor" hypothesis suggested that the analytical and logical thinking styles often associated with autism could make individuals more skeptical of unsubstantiated claims.
Recent studies, including one published in Cognitive Neuropsychiatry in 2024, have found no significant difference in general conspiracy mentality between autistic and non-autistic populations. These findings, corroborated by other research, suggest that autism is neither a direct risk factor nor a protective factor, indicating that overall susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs is similar across both groups. This research often measures a broad tendency towards conspiracy thinking rather than belief in specific theories.
While the diagnosis of autism itself does not appear to be a predictor, some studies have explored whether specific autistic traits, rather than the diagnosis, might correlate with certain aspects of misinformation endorsement. However, the broader scientific consensus points away from a direct causal link between autism and increased susceptibility to conspiracy theories. Understanding the complex factors that contribute to belief in misinformation in the general population remains crucial for developing effective strategies to promote critical thinking and resilience against unsubstantiated claims.