Miki Igarashi

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About

Miki Igarashi is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of cognitive science, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and auditory perception. Her primary focus is on how individuals with ASD perceive and process human and artificial voices, with a particular emphasis on the nuanced qualities that define "humanness" in vocal sounds. Igarashi's most cited study, "Similar impressions of humanness for human and artificial singing voices in autism spectrum disorders" (2016, 20 citations), is a landmark contribution that challenges conventional assumptions about social cognition in autism. By demonstrating that individuals with ASD rate the humanness of artificial and human singing voices similarly, she reveals a preserved capacity for abstract vocal evaluation, even when social communication differences are present. This work has significant implications for understanding the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying voice perception, and it offers a more nuanced view of social processing in autism. Igarashi’s research is notable for its methodological rigor and its potential to inform the design of more inclusive technologies, such as voice-based interfaces for neurodiverse populations. Her findings continue to inspire new lines of inquiry in auditory cognition and neurodiversity research.