IQ profiling, autistic traits and social competence in Chinese adults with high-functioning ASD: A comparison between self- and parent-report

Abstract

Background and objectivesLittle research has informed the intellectual profiling of adult ASD population. Besides, current findings on how intelligence level may vary with ASD symptom severity and social competence are mixed due to inconsistent use of parent- and self-report symptom measures. MethodsThe present study examined the Wechsler intelligence profile of 23 Chinese ASD adults (mean age=20.09), who are high-functioning (IQ>70) and without co-morbidity. ResultsComparing with the normative sample, adults with ASD showed a Wechsler IQ profile with overall lower intellectual functioning. Scattering between indexes was prevalent. Intelligence level did not correlate with ASD symptomatology in both self-report or parent-report. ConclusionsResults did not support a prototypic Wechsler profile among adults with ASD. Intelligence level appears to be an independent construct to features of ASD.