Pupillometry, measuring pupil size and reactivity, has been proposed as a measure of autonomic nervous system functioning, the latter which might be altered in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to evaluate if pupillary responses differ in individuals with and without ASD. After performing a systematic literature search, we conducted a meta-analysis and constructed a qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis shows a longer latency of the pupil response in the ASD-group as a substantial group difference, with a Hedges’ g of 1.03 (95 %CI 0.49–1.56, p = 0.008). Evidence on baseline pupil size and amplitude change is conflicting. We used the framework method to perform a qualitative evaluation of these differences. Explanations for the group differences vary between studies and are inconclusive, but many authors point to involvement of the autonomous nervous system and more specifically the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system. Pupillometry reveals differences between people with and without ASD, but the exact meaning of these differences remains unknown. Future studies should align research designs and investigate a possible effect of maturation.

提出了测量瞳孔大小和反应性的眼睑测量法，作为自主神经系统功能的一种测量方法，后者在患有自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的个体中可能会发生变化。这项研究的目的是评估有或没有ASD的人的瞳孔反应是否不同。在进行系统的文献检索后，我们进行了荟萃分析并构建了定性综合。荟萃分析显示，ASD组中瞳孔反应的潜伏期较长，这是一个显着的组间差异，Hedges'g为1.03（95％CI 0.49–1.56，p = 0.008）。关于基线瞳孔大小和幅度变化的证据相互矛盾。我们使用框架方法对这些差异进行了定性评估。小组差异的解释因研究而异，并且没有定论，但是许多作者指出，该神经系统参与了自主神经系统，更具体地讲是蓝斑脑-去甲肾上腺素系统。眼压测定法揭示了有和没有ASD的人之间的差异，但是这些差异的确切含义仍然未知。未来的研究应调整研究设计并调查成熟的可能影响。