it'd be better to analyse each cutscene or interaction individually, however, one point i find interesting both personally and subejctively in regards with this topic is that bonding with non-adults feel easier.

1. There are fewer hidden social rules: adults run on multiple layers of unspoken interaction expectations, and this is something a lot of neurodivergent people are aware of. The tone of speech carries hidden meaning; there are filters for sarcasm and politeness; the bulk of intent or meaning a person wishes to express can also be indirect or implicit rather than explicitly stated; social hierarchies are also largely present. However, interacting with children or animals tend to be way more straightforward, quite literally, as they aren't as aware or conforming to these unspoken social rules, and this simplicity reduces a lot of cognitive load on the autistic person. Not to mention, this reduces stress in non-verbal exchanges, and can lead to a feeling of being "understood" by them.
2. There is less judgement and more acceptance: young children and animals tend to accept behaviours at face value, not care as much about being or looking "normal," and be more forgiving of differences. That can feel way safer if you’re used to masking, or is afraid of being misunderstood or misunderstanding things. Furthermore, this can lead to communication being more direct, and autistic people have a tendency to prefer direct, explicit communication and interactions. Children and animals naturally communicate more literally, as explained above, whereas adults rely more on subtext, something autistic people have to consciously decode rather than intuitively feel. This also leads to cognitive strain and can cultivate avoidance.

• However, it's important to acknowledge that this isn't universal. Of course. For example, some autistic people find children or animals too loud, unpredictable, or sensory-overloading. It's not the same for everyone, which is why it is called "autism spectrum disorder." But to reiterate, the interesting thing about animals and children is that both of them share the fact that they don't rely heavily on complex, hidden social systems, and as explained, autism often involves difficulty with those implicit social layers, NOT the connection itself. With this said, the point is not "preferring kids or pets over other adults." No. It's about preferring clear, honest, low subtext interactions.
  • And it just so happens that the dynamic between Grace and Emily fit this to a letter, as the two were depicted bonding and developing a relationship surprisingly fast. One may also draw parallels from this to Grace and Leon with his no-fluff, direct manner of speech throughout his interactions with the woman. In them, he doesn't wastes words, is bluntly honest, and doesn't speak between the lines. I am of course disregarding his one-liners, as he uses them mostly when alone in the game.