Understanding Face Blindness (Prosopagnosia) in Neurodivergent People

Today I had a really interesting conversation with a client about his experience of face blindness. He explained that when meeting new people, it can take him a long time to process all their features. Instead of recognising a face straightaway, he begins by noticing a person’s mannerisms, then tone of voice, then gradually moves from the outside of the body inwards, with the face itself being the last feature he is able to identify.

I knew that this was relatively common in neurodivergent people, as I have a number of clients who also struggle to identify faces, but this led me to explore what research says about why this occurs, and whether there is a known cause. So, I read around the latest findings, and here is a little about what I found.

What Causes Face Blindness (Prosopanosia)?

Face blindness, known medically as prosopagnosia, is a neurological condition linked to differences in the brain regions that process facial recognition, particularly the fusiform gyrus.

Prosopagnosia typically presents in two main forms:

1️⃣ Developmental Prosopagnosia (Congenital)

• Present from birth

• Not caused by injury or trauma

• Often runs in families → suggests a genetic component

• Linked to differences in how face-processing networks develop and connect with other parts of the brain

This is the most common type seen in neurodivergent populations.

2️⃣ Acquired Prosopagnosia

Develops after an event that affects the brain, such as:

• Stroke

• Traumatic brain injury

• Brain infections (e.g., encephalitis)

• Some neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease)

In this form, facial recognition difficulties occur after previously typical ability.

Links between Prosopagnosia and Neurodiversity

Research indicates a clear overlap between prosopagnosia and neurodivergent conditions, particularly:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Over 36% of autistic adults may have prosopagnosia

• Possibly linked to atypical brain development

• Reduced eye contact or avoidance of faces may contribute to differences in how facial recognition is learned

Other neurodivergences frequently reported include:

• ADHD

• Aphantasia (reduced visual imagery)

• Dyslexia

• Dyscalculia

• Navigation / spatial awareness difficulties

These connections are still being explored, but they highlight how diverse and interconnected neurodevelopmental experiences can be.

How Face Blindness Impacts Social Communication

Facial recognition isn’t just about who someone is, it also helps us interpret how they feel.So prosopagnosia can affect:

• Reading emotional expressions

• Understanding subtle social cues

• Recognising when someone is upset, confused, or joking

This is not the same as alexithymia (difficulty identifying emotions in oneself or others), but the two can co-occur or be confused for each other.

If a person cannot reliably distinguish faces, then:➡️ Emotional processing becomes less automatic➡️ They may rely on tone of voice, body language, or context instead➡️ Misunderstandings become more likely

This can understandably make social interaction more effortful, especially in fast-paced or unfamiliar settings.

How People Cope

Many develop effective compensatory strategies, often without even realising:

✨ Recognising people by:

• Hairstyle or glasses

• Clothing or accessories

• Where they usually are (e.g., workplace, bus stop)

• Body language, gait, voice, or movement patterns

These strategies can work well, until someone changes their hair, location, or clothing… or you meet them out of context!

Social and Emotional Impact

Face blindness can affect friendships, confidence, and social comfort:

• Difficulty greeting or acknowledging others may be misinterpreted as rudeness or disinterest

• Anxiety may increase in unfamiliar or overstimulating environments

• Masking becomes a daily coping tool for many

People often describe a fear of making social mistakes, leading sometimes to withdrawal or isolation.

Misinterpretation and Overlap

Because prosopagnosia isn’t widely recognised, its impact can be misunderstood:

• Poor facial-expression reading may be incorrectly seen as alexithymia

• Missing social cues may be mislabelled as lack of interest or empathy

• Relationship challenges may be attributed to autism alone

A better understanding of face blindness helps us avoid these assumptions and support people more accurately.

Brad Pitt and prosopagnosia #faceblindness #prosopagnosia #dreyeguy

Raising Awareness and Future Research

Awareness is still limited among:

• The public

• Healthcare professionals

• Education settings

• Employers

As research grows, so does the call for:

• Better screening and recognition

• Improved face-processing support strategies

• Neuro-affirming understanding in everyday environments

Recognising prosopagnosia means recognising that social connection doesn’t always start with a face.

Final Thoughts

My conversation today reminded me how unique each individual’s experience of neurodiversity can be, and how much we still have to learn. For some people, identity, safety, and comfort come from movement, voice, posture, or warmth, far before a face is even cognitively registered.

If face blindness feels familiar to you or someone you support, know that you’re not alone, and that this is a real, valid part of many neurodivergent profiles. Increased understanding can lead to greater compassion, inclusion, and confidence for those who navigate the world in this way.

Do any of these apply to you?

Possible Indicators of Prosopagnosia / Face Blindness

• Do you often fail to recognise people you know, especially in new contexts (e.g. different clothes, lighting, angle)?

• Do you rely on non-face cues (voice, movement, clothing, gait, environment) to identify people?

• Do you struggle to follow characters in films, plays or TV shows (especially when faces are similar or change appearance)?

• Do you find social situations stressful if people’s faces are unfamiliar or changing (e.g. after a haircut, change of hairstyle)?

• Do you sometimes avoid social situations to avoid embarrassment from misrecognition?

• Do you regularly forget or mix up people’s identities, even if you know their names?

• Do you find it difficult to recognise emotions, mood or expressions in faces reliably — especially when tone or context is limited or ambiguous?

If the answer is 'yes' further reading exploring some of the following resources may be help. You may wish to discuss with your GP / specialist, referencing prosopagnosia as a possible long-term condition.

📚 Resources & Further Reading

Here are some trusted resources, screening tools and supports for anyone wanting to learn more about face blindness (prosopagnosia) or explore assessment and coping strategies:

• Face Blind UK — a UK-based charity run by and for people whose lives are affected by prosopagnosia. Their site includes: overview information, downloadable factsheets (for children/parents/teachers; adults; employment; health services), practical coping guides, and a symptom-check quiz. faceblind.org.uk+1

• Bournemouth University – Prosopagnosia Research (via the Centre for Face Processing Disorders) — run by a UK academic institution investigating face processing difficulties and “super-recognisers”. Their website includes research publications, a downloadable symptom-checklist, and the opportunity to register for formal assessment. Bournemouth Prosopagnosia Research+2Bournemouth Prosopagnosia Research+2

• NHS (UK) – official information page on face blindness / prosopagnosia. It outlines symptoms, causes, and practical strategies to cope. nhs.uk

• A general guide: Disability Resources – Face Blindness: Complete Guide, offering advice, explanation, and lists of further support networks. Disability Resources

• Brad Pitt opened up about his face blindness. #faceblindness #prosopagnosia #dreyeguy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w78B4hOYzI

Suggested reading for professionals / educators

• “Prosopagnosia – Information for Parents & Teachers” (Face Blind UK factsheet) — especially helpful for supporting children or students with face-processing difficulties. faceblind.org.uk+1

• Research summaries and publications on the Bournemouth University site — for a deeper look at the scientific basis, prevalence estimates, and emerging interventions. Bournemouth Prosopagnosia Research+2Bournemouth University+2