A-90 Personality Tests in Neuropsychological Assessment: Determining the Presence of Psychotic and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders in 3 Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Abstract Objective The assessment of personality and psychopathology in an individual who has symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a challenging task due to the overlap of characteristic behaviors associated with ASD and markers of psychopathology. Through the examination of key factors in 3 case studies of neuropsychological assessments, this poster outlines steps to facilitate the correct diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in persons with autism spectrum disorder. Method This poster explores 3 case studies in which an individual exhibited signs of a psychiatric disorder as well as ASD. The author describes how the personality tests such as the MMPI-2 and MMPI-RF were administered and interpreted and how case history and test taking behavior affected the understanding of the results. Results The poster highlights critical factors in differentiating psychiatric disorders and symptoms that are part of the ASD. For example, in all 3 case studies, the individuals had significant difficulty with the computerized version of the test and needed to take it with paper and pencil. The author also outlines examples where the symptoms are manifestations of the ASD, such as perseveration and rigid thinking and when they are attributable to an obsessive–compulsive disorder. Further, the author differentiates signs of psychosis in a person with ASD from the typical tangential and circumstantial speech associated with ASD. Conclusion The author offers suggestions for administering personality tests to persons with ASD, for interpreting the results of the tests, and for conducting future research to facilitate the differentiation between symptoms consistent with ASD and with psychopathology.