Yawns do not appear to be contagious in children under the age of five or in people with autism

Yawns do not appear to be contagious in children under the age of five or in people with autism.

Yawning is a natural and instinctive bodily response that has puzzled scientists and researchers for centuries. We often find ourselves yawning when we see someone else yawn, as if it were something we simply cannot resist. However, a fascinating fact emerges – yawns do not appear to be contagious in children under the age of five or in people with autism.

What are Yawns and Why Do We Yawn?

Before delving deeper into the contagious nature of yawns, let’s understand what exactly yawns are and why we yawn. A yawn is an involuntary reflex that causes us to open our mouths wide and breathe in deeply. It typically involves a deep inhalation of air, followed by a brief pause, and then a slow exhalation. Yawning is commonly associated with tiredness or boredom, but it can also occur due to certain medical conditions, medications, or even as a response to stress.

The Contagious Nature of Yawns

One of the most remarkable aspects of yawning is its contagious nature. When we see someone yawn, especially someone within our social circle, it often triggers a reflexive yawn in ourselves. However, this contagious response does not seem to occur uniformly across all individuals.

Studies have shown that children under the age of five do not catch yawns from others as frequently as older children and adults do. It is believed that the ability to have contagious yawns develops as a person grows older and becomes more socially aware. This phenomenon suggests that yawn contagion is intricately linked to social and cognitive development.

The Missing Contagiousness in Autism

Another group that appears to be unaffected by contagious yawns is individuals with autism. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. People with autism often display a reduced sensitivity to social cues and a diminished ability to empathize with others, which may explain the absence of contagious yawning.

Research has demonstrated that individuals on the autism spectrum are less likely to yawn in response to seeing someone else yawn, compared to neurotypical individuals. This observation underscores the importance of social cognition and the role it plays in contagious yawning.

The Science Behind Contagious Yawning

While the exact science behind contagious yawning remains largely elusive, there are several theories that have been proposed. One possibility is that contagious yawning is related to empathy. Empathy refers to our ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is believed that contagious yawning might be a form of nonverbal communication that showcases our ability to empathize with those around us.

Another theory suggests that contagious yawning is linked to our brain’s mirroring system. This system enables us to imitate the actions and emotions of others, allowing for a deeper sense of connection and social bonding. Contagious yawning could thus be a manifestation of this mirroring mechanism.

Conclusion

Yawns, despite being considered contagious, do not appear to be so in children under the age of five or in individuals with autism. While research on this topic is ongoing, it is evident that social and cognitive factors play a crucial role in the contagiousness of yawns. By further understanding the underlying mechanisms, scientists hope to gain insights into the intricacies of human connection and empathy.

Source: Library of Congress: Everyday Mysteries - Why Do We Yawn?