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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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01-04-2009 | Brief Report

Brief Report: Visuospatial Analysis and Self-Rated Autistic-Like Traits

Auteurs: Emma J. Grinter, Pia L. Van Beek, Murray T. Maybery, David R. Badcock

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 4/2009

Abstract

Although there is good evidence that the behavioral traits of autism extend in lesser form to the general population, there has been limited investigation of whether cognitive features of the disorder also accompany these milder traits. This study investigated whether the superiority in visuospatial analysis established for individuals with autism also extends to individuals in the general population who self-report autistic-like traits. In an initial study, students scoring high on the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) were faster and more accurate on the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) and the Block Design subscale of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale III compared to those scoring low on the AQ. A second study showed that high AQ scorers were faster to complete the EFT compared to low AQ scorers irrespective of IQ. Results are discussed with reference to weak central coherence theory and the autism spectrum.

vorige artikel Assessment of Autism in Community Settings: Discrepancies in Classification

volgende artikel Brief Report: The Level and Nature of Autistic Intelligence Revisited

Screening could not be conducted with the full-scale AQ because of time restrictions. Nevertheless, the high and low AQ groups selected for Study 2 based on the short-form AQ were comparable to the corresponding groups selected for Study 1 based on the full-scale AQ, since a 2 (Study: 1 vs. 2) × 2 (AQ group: high vs. low) ANOVA conducted on full-scale AQ scores did not show any significant effects involving Study.

It is unlikely that our results reflect Type I errors since two further studies recently conducted by our research group also show superior EFT performance for high AQ scorers compared to low AQ scores.

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Titel: Brief Report: Visuospatial Analysis and Self-Rated Autistic-Like Traits
Auteurs: Emma J. Grinter
Pia L. Van Beek
Murray T. Maybery
David R. Badcock
Publicatiedatum: 01-04-2009
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 4/2009
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0658-3

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Acknowledgment

Pragmatic Inferences in High-Functioning Adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Books Received for Review

Effects of Low Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Gamma Frequency Oscillations and Event-Related Potentials During Processing of Illusory Figures in Autism

The Prevalence and Phenomenology of Repetitive Behavior in Genetic Syndromes

Verbal Peaks and Visual Valleys in Theory of Mind Ability in Williams Syndrome