Профиль интеллекта и личностные особенности у взрослых пациентов с высокофункциональным аутизмом

Abstract

Background. Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder caused by disruption of the prenatal brain development. In mild forms of autism, children may camouflage their symptoms, which may cause their mental disorder to stay undiagnosed into adulthood. Studies of personality and intelligence characteristics in adult patients with autism will reduce the difficulties of diagnosing mild forms of this disorder in a population of high-functioning socially adapted individuals. Objective. The study aims to describe the profile of intellectual abilities in adults with high-functioning autism and its relationship with the severity of clinical symptoms and personal traits. Sample. 30 participants with high-functioning autism (9 males and 21 females) aged between 20 and 44 years and 30 neurotypical controls took part in the research. Methods. The subjects underwent a short version of the Wechsler test (WAIS-III) and completed the Carver and White questionnaire “Behavioral Activation and Inhibition Systems”. Patients with autism also completed the Autism Quotient questionnaire designed by Baron and Cohen to assess severity of their symptoms, and their diagnosis was verified by an experienced psychiatrist. We analyzed intergroup differences using analysis of variance, as well as nonparametric correlational analysis between IQ, clinical symptoms, and personal traits. Results. Patients with autism did not differ from the control group in general intelligence, but they showed significantly lower verbal abilities (F(1, 42) = 8.4; p = 0.006). Reduction of verbal abilities in patients with autism directly correlated with severity of their clinical symptoms (R = –0.59; p = 0.001). We also found a decrease in the sensitivity of the behavior approach system in the clinical group (F(1.52) = 4.9; p = 0.03), manifested mostly in a low level of spontaneous fun seeking. In contrast to the neurotypical controls, where a higher sensitivity of the behavior activation system positively correlated with verbal abilities (R = 0.52; p = 0.02), in patients with autism, motivational traits were not associated with any intellectual abilities. Conclusion. The results demonstrate that adult persons with autism spectrum disorders have a relative reduction in verbal fluency. It can be assumed that this profile of intellectual abilities may be a long-term result of a delay in speech development at an early age.