@article{article_1684161, title={The Dual Process Theory of Autism: A Narrative Review}, journal={Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar}, volume={18}, pages={112–123}, DOI={10.18863/pgy.1684161}, author={Baştan, Elif}, keywords={Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu, İkili Süreç Kuramları, Rasyonalite, Bireysel Farklılıklar}, abstract={The Dual Process Theory in Autism is a contemporary approach used to explain the cognitive processing styles of autistic individuals. The theory proposes that individuals rely on two distinct modes of processing: intuitive (Type I; fast and automatic) and reasoning-based (Type II; slow and analytical). It is suggested that, compared to their neurotypical peers, autistic individuals tend to engage less in intuitive processing and more in reasoning-based processing. This cognitive style has been associated with reduced susceptibility to common biases such as the framing effect, sunk cost fallacy, and conjunction fallacy. Some studies report that autistic individuals demonstrate superiority in logical consistency and produce fewer intuitive responses, whereas others have failed to confirm these differences or have presented contradictory findings. Although self-reports often indicate lower intuitive and higher reasoning tendencies, inconsistencies emerge when compared with performance-based measures. Moreover, issues such as the ecological validity of the tasks employed, the limitations of the samples, and insufficient control of cognitive abilities make the interpretation of existing evidence difficult. Nevertheless, the theory provides a framework for jointly considering both the strengths of autism in non-social domains and the difficulties experienced in social contexts. In particular, the lack of rapid intuitive processing in social interactions may exacerbate communication difficulties, while an analytic approach may offer advantages in structured environments. In conclusion, the Dual Process Theory in Autism offers a valuable framework for understanding autistic cognitive diversity. However, due to inconsistent and limited findings, broader research with higher ecological validity is needed. This approach has the potential to contribute significantly both to theoretical understanding and to the development of support strategies for autism.}, number={1}, publisher={Lut TAMAM}