Autism Spectrum Quotient Research Articles

The Prevalence of Autistic Traits in a Sample of Young Adults Referred to a Generalized Mental Health Outpatient Clinic

Background/Objectives: The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is undergoing significant revisions, impacting prevalence estimates in the general population. Moreover, the rise of a dimensional perspective on psychopathology has broadened our understanding of autism, recognizing that subthreshold autistic features extend throughout the general population. However, there remains a limited understanding of the prevalence of ASD traits in individuals with psychiatric disorders, particularly in young adults, who are at an age where several mental health conditions emerge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of ASD traits in a sample of young adults (18–24 years old) attending a generalized mental health outpatient clinic. Methods: A total of 259 young adult patients completed the self-report screening questionnaires Autism Quotient (AQ) and Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R). Results: A total of 16.2% of our sample scored above the cut-off in both scales; this percentage decreased to 13.13% when restricting the RAADS-R cut-off to >119, as suggested for clinical samples. The association with sociodemographic features is discussed. Conclusions: We argue that screening for autistic traits should be integrated into the assessment of young adults presenting with nonspecific psychiatric symptoms or psychological distress. Although there is ongoing debate over the use of self-report screening tools, a positive result on both the AQ and RAADS-R should prompt clinicians to pursue a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation using structured or semi-structured interviews.

A novel screening instrument for the assessment of autism in German language: validation of the German version of the RAADS-R, the RADS-R.

The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) demonstrated excellent results in its original study, with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 100% (Ritvo et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 41:1076-1089, 2011). As a result, it was included in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (Recommendations | Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE, 2022). The questionnaire includes 80 questions across four subcategories (language, social relatedness, circumscribed interests, sensory motor). So far, the subcategory sensory motor has not been addressed in most available instruments, despite being part of the diagnostic criteria specified in DSM-5 (Falkai et al., in Diagnostisches Und Statistisches Manual Psychischer Störungen DSM-5. Hogrefe, 2015) and ICD-11 (ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, 2022). In our validation study, we tested a translated German version of the questionnaire in 299 individuals (110 persons with ASD according to ICD-10 F84.0, F84.5, 64 persons with an primary mental disorders (PMD), 125 persons with no disorders). To enhance the practical use of the instrument in clinical everyday practice, the questionnaire was completed by the participants without the presence of a clinician-unlike the original study. Psychiatric diagnoses were established following the highest standards, and psychometric properties were calculated using established protocols. The German version of the RADS-R yielded very good results, with a high sensitivity of 92.5% and a high specificity of 93.6%. The area under the curve (AUC = 0.976), indicates a high quality and discriminatory power of RADS-R. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal threshold to distinguish between the ASD and non-ASD groups in the German version of the RAADS-R is a score of 81. In comparison to the RADS-R, the co-administered instruments Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and Empathy Quotient (EQ) each showed slightly better specificity but worse sensitivity in this sample.The study included individuals already diagnosed with ASD according to ICD-10 (F84.0, F84.5), with or without an primarymental disorders, preventing us from identifying the influence of comorbidities on the RADS-R results. In addition, a self-report questionnaire has generally only limited objectivity and may allow for false representation of the symptoms. The RADS-R compares well with other questionnaires and can provide valuable additional information. It could turn out to be a helpful diagnostic tool for patients in Germany. We propose naming the German version RADS-R (Ritvo Autism Diagnostic Scale - rRevised) to reflect the change in terminology.

Traits of Developmental Disorders in Adults With Listening Difficulties Without Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder And/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Background: Some individuals have a normal audiogram but have listening difficulties (LiD). As many studies have investigated the relationship between listening and developmental disorders, the traits of developmental disorders might explain the symptoms of LiD. In this study, we examined the traits of developmental disorders of adults with LiD to help clarify the cause of LiD symptoms. Methods: In total, 60 adults with LiD and 57 adults without LiD were included. Participants completed a questionnaire for the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) test, the Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Rating Scale (A-ADHD), the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (SP), and the severity of subjective LiD in daily life. Results: Before analysis, we excluded participants with LiD who were already diagnosed or met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD, and the results of the remaining 30 participants (50.0%) with LiD were analyzed. Adults with LiD showed higher scores than those without LiD in the AQ. Attention switching in the AQ and attention ability in the A-ADHD scale were correlated with the severity of LiD symptoms in everyday life. The AQ scores were also significantly correlated with subscales of the SP. Conclusions: Adults with LiD showed greater autistic traits than those without LiD; therefore, LiD symptoms are possibly related to autistic symptoms. Furthermore, adults with LiD might have attention disorder traits of both ASD and ADHD and sensory processing problems. These findings suggest that the attention problems in adults with LiD noted in previous studies might be related to these traits of developmental disorders.

Frequency and Mental Health Condition of Students with Developmental Disabilities Among First-Year Japanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Students with developmental disabilities are anxious about a change in environment when graduating from high school to college. Existing research, which is scarce, focuses on the mental health status of students with developmental disabilities entering university. This study investigated the frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among first-year Japanese university students and their mental health risks post-admission. We conducted a cross-sectional survey for university students within a month of admission, using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Adult ADHD Test (A-ADHD) to demonstrate the frequency of ASD and ADHD. The Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS)-Japanese (depression, eating concerns, hostility, social anxiety, family distress, alcohol use, generalized anxiety, and academic distress) evaluated their mental health condition.Of 711 students (20.3 ± 2.1years; 330 male, 381 female), the number of those showing either ASD or ADHD tendencies was 61 (8.58%). Twenty-three (3.23%) showed symptoms of only ASD, 34 (4.78%) of ADHD, and four (0.56%) of ASD and ADHD. No significant differences existed in the frequency of ASD and ADHD between each sex and major. The scores and frequency of high risk (over the cut-off points) students on all CCAPS-Japanese subscales (except alcohol use) were significantly higher among the ASD and ADHD groups than the control group, which showed no ASD or ADHD tendencies. The frequency of ASD and ADHD characteristics among first-year Japanese university students was 8.58%. They have a high risk of mental health problems when they enter university.

The Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Children's Version.

There is no validated screening measure for children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Korea. The purpose of the present study was (1) to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Autism Spectrum-Child (K-AQ-Child); (2) to find the optimal cut-off value of the K- AQ-Child in the Korean population. A total of 144 children aged 4-11 years (male 80.6%, mean age = 7.05 ± 1.75) were recruited in this study, with 72 in the high-functioning ASD group and 72 in the non-clinical Control group. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the K-AQ-child was 0.962, showing excellent internal consistency. For discriminant validity, the ASD group scored significantly higher than the Control group on the total score and all the scores of the subdomains of the K-AQ-Child after controlling for sex. Significant positive correlation between total scores of the K-AQ-Child and the K-SCQ was found. The optimal cut-off value of 58.5 yielded a sensitivity of 0.931 and specificity of 0.986. K-AQ-Child is a valid and reliable measure to quantify autistic traits and identify the high-risk individuals for further diagnostic evaluation in intellectually capable children aged 4-11 years. It would be useful for both clinical practice and research purposes. Clinical Trial Registration The trial was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of Republic of Korea (Registration Number: KCT0008907).

Autistic traits linked to anxiety and dichotomous thinking: sensory sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty as mediators in non-clinical population

A recent theoretical cognitive model posits that three cognitive constructs—intolerance of uncertainty, lack of predictive processing, and dichotomous thinking—may interact with anxiety in autistic individuals. However, the interrelationships among these constructs remain unclear. We investigated this relationship in a non-clinical population using five questionnaires (Autism Spectrum Quotient, Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, Short Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Dichotomous Thinking Inventory) and conducted a path analysis. Data were collected from 405 adults (aged 20–22 years) in Experiment 1 and 628 (aged 20–49 years) in Experiment 2. In both experiments, autistic traits were significantly associated with both anxiety and dichotomous thinking, mediated by intolerance of uncertainty. Autistic traits were linked to intolerance of uncertainty, mediated by atypical sensory processing. Furthermore, autistic traits were directly associated with anxiety. No direct association was observed between anxiety and dichotomous thinking. Our results confirm the validity of Stark’s cognitive model in a non-clinical population. These findings provide new insights into anxiety and dichotomous thinking and shed light on the cognitive styles of autistic individuals.

Neuroticism Mediates the Association between Autistic Traits and Choice Reaction Time among Young Adults.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that influences an individual's cognitive functions and social interaction. While most studies have focused on children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD, elevated levels of autistic traits in subclinical populations may also influence individuals' daily functioning. Autistic traits are also linked to the Big Five personality. In particular, neuroticism (emotion instability) has been shown to be positively associated with autistic traits, which may contribute to behavioral symptoms of autistic traits. The present study aimed to investigate the association between autistic symptoms and sensorimotor processing among a subclinical population. One hundred young adults (Mage = 20.32 years; SD = 3.69 years; 69 female) completed a choice reaction time (RT) task, and their behavioral performance was analyzed using the ex-Gaussian modeling. The Autism Quotient (AQ) and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) were used to assess autistic traits and neuroticism, respectively. The mediation analysis was conducted to examine the behavioral mechanism through which autistic traits influence sensorimotor processing. The results showed that the AQ score was negatively correlated with RT and positively correlated with neuroticism score. Importantly, the mediation analysis indicated an indirect effect, suggesting that neuroticism mediates the association between the AQ score and RT. The findings indicated a possible mechanism of the association between autistic traits and sensorimotor responses and suggested that neuroticism should be included as an intervention target for ASD. The present study contributes to the research on autistic traits and has practical implications for future intervention programs to improve daily functioning among individuals with ASD.

Perceived changes in mental health and social engagement attributed to a single psychedelic experience in autistic adults: results from an online survey.

Anecdotal reports suggest that psychedelic drugs can improve psychological wellbeing and social engagement in autistic people. However, there are few contemporary studies on this topic. To examine autistic participants' experiences with psychedelic drugs and the extent to which they attributed changes in mental health and social engagement to their most 'impactful' psychedelic experience. We also explored associations between these changes and mechanistically important variables (e.g., aspects of the acute psychedelic experience and changes in 'psychological flexibility'). Self-selecting autistic participants (n = 233) with high autism quotient scores completed an online survey relating to their most impactful psychedelic experience. Questionnaires assessed the acute psychedelic experience and perceived psychedelic-induced changes in distress, social engagement and psychological flexibility, among other relevant variables. The majority of participants attributed reductions in psychological distress (82%) and social anxiety (78%) and increases in social engagement (70%) to their most 'impactful' psychedelic experience. A substantial minority (20%) also reported undesirable effects such as increases in anxiety with some describing their psychedelic experience as among the most negatively impactful experiences of their lives. The only substantial predictor of reductions in psychological distress was increased psychological flexibility. Autistic people attributed changes in mental health and social engagement to a single highly impactful psychedelic experience. The results and their implications are discussed with caution considering the use of a non-experimental design and biased sampling.

The associations between self-rated autistic traits, social camouflaging, and mental health outcomes in Taiwanese anime, comics and games (ACG) doujin creators: an exploratory study

BackgroundDoujin (どうじん) is a Japanese term referring to a circle where people share the same interests, usually something that belongs to the Anime, Comics, and Games (ACG) subculture. Individuals who belong to it and create related works, known as ACG doujin creators, are usually described as socially awkward and at potential risk of isolation. In such a context, they may theoretically exhibit higher autistic traits and manifest camouflaging tendencies, which may consequently be associated with their mental health. Nonetheless, the impact of autistic traits and camouflaging on mental health in this subculture remains significantly underexplored.MethodsWe recruited 183 Taiwanese ACG doujin creators (age ranges from 18 to 41, 146 female and 37 male) via social networking platforms. Participants completed Chinese online surveys assessing socio-demographic information, doujin activities, past psychiatric history, the 35-item Version of Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-35), Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q-Ch), the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Linear regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between the aforementioned scales.ResultsOur findings revealed that among ACG doujin creators, descriptively higher level of AQ-35 and CAT-Q-Ch than previous studies were found. Moreover, we observed a positive association between camouflaging behaviours and most AQ-35 subscales, with the exception of the mindreading subscale. Additionally, we identified that both camouflaging and autistic traits were significantly linked to higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores.ConclusionsThrough this study, we gained insight into the distinctive characteristics of autistic traits, camouflaging behaviours, and mental health among Taiwanese ACG doujin creators, as the associations between the factors mentioned above are divergent compared to previous research. This topic demonstrated that camouflaging is also associated with adverse mental health in a subculture group.

Effect of Blended Music on Social Behaviours of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The study aimed to investigate the effects of blended music on social behaviours of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study was quantitative with a single group pretest- posttest research design. Children with ASD studying in special education institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were the population of the study. After screening children for High Functioning Autism through the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), twelve children were selected conveniently for the intervention. The Urdu version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (USRS-2) was used to measure the social behaviours of children with ASD. Blended music based on Raga Bilawal and Taal Keharwa was validated by the music experts for use during eight weeks of intervention. The data was collected before and after exposure to blended music. Mean scores for each positive and problematic social behaviour were calculated to decide upon the improvement in behaviour. The number of items showing improvement was calculated to decide upon the effect of blended music. 26% of positive behaviours were improved and 74% of problematic social behaviours were reduced. It was concluded that blended music was found effective in developing positive social behaviours and reducing the problematic social behaviours of children with ASD.

Data Mining Technique for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder

Early detection of autistic symptoms can help lower overall medical expenses, which is beneficial given that autism is a developmental disease that is associated with high medical costs. To assess whether or not a kid may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), screening for ASD involves asking the child's parents, caregivers, and other members of the child's immediate family a series of questions. The current methods for screening for autism, such as the autistic quotient (AQ), might require a significant number of questions in addition to careful question design, which can make an autism examination more time-consuming. The effectiveness and reliability of the test could be improved, for example, by employing data mining strategies. It could be possible to create a system that can foretell ASD at an early stage and give patients, caregivers, and medical professionals dependable and precise findings on the probable need for expert diagnostic services. This research aims to develop a reliable model for estimating the likelihood of an individual being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 4 and 17. To identify varying degrees of autism, one such model was constructed by utilizing the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm. Mining data is typically understood to be a decision-making process that enables more effective utilization of available resources in terms of overall performance. The results showed that the suggested prediction model, which used the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm, could find ASD with an average error of 0.03% and an accuracy of up to 94.5%.

Cognitive and emotional empathy in neurotypical individuals with high autistic traits: The role of emotional valence

BackgroundEmpathy is an important ability in social interactions, and previous findings regarding empathy of high autistic traits (AT) have been mixed. MethodThe current study sought to investigate cognitive empathy (CE) and emotional empathy (EE) in neurotypical individuals with high AT, examining their responses to both positive and negative emotions in comparison to a matched control group within a sizable sample. Participants were 908 young Chinese adults in the neurotypical range who self-reported their AT using the Autism Quotient and Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire and then completed the Multifaceted Empathy Test. ResultsThe results showed that the high AT group exhibited less CE, lower EE for positive emotions (EE-P), and intact EE for negative emotions (EE-N) compared to the low AT group. Except for EE-N, other empathic components were positively correlated with AT. The CE-P (i.e., cognitive empathy for positive emotions), CE-N (i.e., cognitive empathy for negative emotions), and EE-P showed a significantly moderate discriminatory effect in predicting AT in neurotypical adults. ConclusionsTogether, these results underscore that the performance on empathy of neurotypical individuals with high AT was moderated by emotional valence of stimuli. Specifically, neurotypical adults with high AT showed a general reduction in CE and a selective decrease in EE. Their EE-P was lower but EE-N was intact.

High autistic traits linked with reduced performance on affective task switching: An ERP study

Few studies have investigated affective flexibility in individuals with high autistic traits. In the present study, we employed affective task-switching paradigm combined with event related potential (ERP) technology to explore affective flexibility in individuals with high autistic traits. Participants were instructed to switch between identifying the gender (gender task) and emotion (emotion task) of presented faces. Two groups of participants were recruited based on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores: a High Autistic Group (HAG) and a Low Autistic Group (LAG). The results confirmed that the HAG exhibited greater behavioral emotion switch costs and increased N2 and decreased P3 components when switching to the emotion task. Additionally, we identified an affective asymmetric switch cost in the HAG, where the switch cost for the emotion task was larger than for the gender task at both behavioral and electrophysiological levels. In contrast, a symmetrical switch cost was observed in the LAG. These findings indicate that the HAG experiences difficulties with affective flexibility, particularly in tasks involving emotional processing. The patterns of affective asymmetric switch costs observed in both groups differed from previous results in autistic children and the general population, suggesting that the relative dominance of gender and emotion tasks may vary between the two groups. We propose that the dominance of emotion tasks declines as autistic traits increase.

Pilot Study on Reading and Writing Characteristics in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

This study surveys the factors regarding reading and writing difficulties in children with attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and uses these results to provide support. We conducted surveys on 16 elementary school children from 3rd to 6th grades who were diagnosed with ADHD by a physician based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). We conducted a Hiragana reading test, a Kanji reading and writing test, and a visual perception test on the subject children. We requested that the parents of the children complete a reading and writing symptom checklist, the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ), the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). We conducted a multiple regression analysis using the Kanji reading and writing test as the dependent variable. Results revealed that the positional task score in the visual perception test was a factor that influences Kanji writing. Meanwhile, gender, reading-related items on the reading and writing symptom checklist, and performance such as misreading of hiragana were factors that influenced Kanji reading. Based on the results, we suggested that when teaching Kanji writing, children's visual cognition ability should be assessed, and ways to incorporate learning methods that supplement visual perception, such as color masses and electronic learning materials, should be devised. When teaching reading, we suggest using teaching materials that present not only text but also audio as needed, and support the awareness of parents.

Effectiveness of a short, intensive, art-based group intervention on attention level in children with autism spectrum disorders: a pre-post experimental study

Background The rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is dramatically rising globally, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. There has been little research on the effects of art-based interventions on attention impairments among children with ASD. Objective To examine the effectiveness of a short, intensive, art-based intervention on attention switching and attention to detail in children with moderate-severe ASD. Methods In this pre- and post-experimental study, children previously diagnosed with levels 2 and 3 ASD were invited to join a one-month, art-based course. The art-based intervention was held 3 days/week for 2 hours per day. Results The mean age of subjects was 8.33 (range 5 to 11) years; there were 10 (83.33%) males and 2 (16.67%) females. The total Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Child) scores from baseline to one week after completion of the art-based course were not significantly different. In addition, mean social skills scores of attention switching and attention to detail, as well as communication scores were not significantly changed from baseline to after course completion. However, the children had significantly worse median imagination scores after the course compared to baseline scores (18.0 vs. 16.0, respectively) (P=0.0020). Conclusion After a one-month, art-based, group intervention, AQ-Child scores did not change significantly in total score, social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, or communication. The median imagination score worsened after, compared to before, the intervention. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution due to the very small sample size.

NAO robot promoting sensorimotor synchronization in high-functioning autism spectrum disorder children

Objectives Sensorimotor synchronization (SMS) refers to an individual’s motor rhythm is temporally coordinated with a predictable external rhythm. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children have weakened SMS performance than typically developing (TD) children, which may affect their relationship with peers and caregivers, and social cognition abilities. Synchronization referent (e.g. an adult or a non-social beat) and the length of inter-stimulus interval (ISI) would influence SMS performance. Methods In this study, we adapted a tapping task to investigate the SMS ability in twenty-one 5–8-year-old high-functioning ASD and twenty-one age-, gender- and IQ-matched TD children. Children were asked to tap on a computer keyboard with videos of a woman or a robot tapping with one finger. We compared the synchronization performance of the two groups when they synchronized with different partners (an adult or an NAO robot) and under different ISIs (800 ms or 1500 ms). The relationships with participants’ autistic traits (Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) and Autism Spectrum Quotient), and cognitive ability (IQ) were also examined. Results We found that ASD children had an overall attenuated synchronizing accuracy and stability than TD children only when ISI was longer than one second. Both groups performed better when synchronized with the NAO robot than the adult partner. The synchronization performance was correlated with the cognitive ability of ASD children when ISI was 1500 ms. Conclusions Results show that tapping with the robot could improve the SMS performance of ASD children since it promoted a higher motivation level. ASD children have an attenuated SMS ability, which may be caused by abnormal temporal perceptions when ISI is longer than one second, while their SMS ability may be intact in sub-second ISIs.

Transcallosal white matter and cortical gray matter variations in autistic adults ages 30-73 years: A bi-tensor free water imaging approach.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long been recognized as a lifelong condition, but brain aging studies in autistic adults aged >30 years are limited. Free water, a novel brain imaging marker derived from diffusion MRI (dMRI), has shown promise in differentiating typical and pathological aging and monitoring brain degeneration. We aimed to examine free water and free water corrected dMRI measures to assess white and gray matter microstructure and their associations with age in autistic adults. Methods: Forty-three autistic adults ages 30-73 years and 43 age, sex, and IQ matched neurotypical controls participated in this cross-sectional study. We quantified fractional anisotropy (FA), free water, and free water-corrected FA (fwcFA) across 32 transcallosal white matter tracts and 94 gray matter areas in autistic adults and neurotypical controls. Follow-up analyses assessed age effect on dMRI metrics of the whole brain for both groups and the relationship between dMRI metrics and clinical measures of ASD in regions that significantly differentiated autistic adults from controls. Results: We found globally elevated free water in 24 transcallosal tracts in autistic adults. We identified negligible differences in dMRI metrics in gray matter between the two groups. Age-associated FA reductions and free water increases were featured in neurotypical controls; however, this brain aging profile was largely absent in autistic adults. Additionally, greater autism quotient (AQ) total raw score was associated with increased free water in the inferior frontal gyrus pars orbitalis and lateral orbital gyrus in autistic adults. Limitations: All autistic adults were cognitively capable individuals, minimizing the generalizability of the research findings across the spectrum. This study also involved a cross-sectional design, which limited inferences about the longitudinal microstructural changes of white and gray matter in ASD. Conclusions: We identified differential microstructural configurations between white and gray matter in autistic adults and that autistic individuals present more heterogeneous brain aging profiles compared to controls. Our clinical correlation analysis offered new evidence that elevated free water in some localized white matter tracts may critically contribute to autistic traits in ASD. Our findings underscored the importance of quantifying free water in dMRI studies of ASD.

Autistic traits and perspective taking in youths with anorexia nervosa: an exploratory clinical and eye tracking study

BackgroundDespite their apparent dissimilarity, Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) share many features, especially in terms of social and emotional difficulties. In recent years, empathic abilities in AN have been frequently assessed using self-report measures. Otherwise, the director task (DT) has been used to investigate the ability to take the visual perspective of another individual in a communicative context, using eye-tracking technology. The aim of the current study was to test the presence of autism-relevant features in AN, through: (i) comparing self-reported autistic traits and empathic abilities in a group of young inpatients with AN and age/gender matched healthy controls (HC); (ii) comparing performance on the director paradigm.MethodsThe participants were females in the age-range between 11 and 18 years: 24 with AN and 23 HC. Autistic traits, empathic abilities, and severity of the eating disorder were respectively measured using: the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3). Both groups performed a computerized task in which a director instructed them to move objects placed on a set of shelves using a mouse, while their eye gaze was tracked. A total of 36 shelf configurations, divided into three categories (with dimensional distractor – with spatial distractor – control), were created.ResultsSubjects with AN showed higher autistic traits than HC. Eye-tracking data revealed that subjects with AN took longer to decide which object to select and where to move it, both in distractor-trials and in control-trials. In the AN group, we found a significant negative correlation between the total score of the AQ and the number of fixations to the irrelevant object in the dimensional control condition -in which the subjects were asked to focus on dimensional aspects of the object (large-small)-.ConclusionsAutistic traits were over-represented in a group of young inpatients with AN. Through the use of eye-tracking technology, this exploratory study documented some differences between AN inpatients and HC in their online processes during the perspective taking tasks, which could be considered a target of tailored intervention. A larger sample of patients is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Autism detection based on autism spectrum quotient using weighted average ensemble method

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that occurs in an individual, wherein it is accompanied by various symptoms such as difficulties in socializing with others. Early detection of ASD patients can assist in preventing various symptoms caused by ASD. The focus of this research is to automate the diagnosis of ASD in an individual based on the results of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) using weighted average ensemble method. Initially, preprocessing is carried out on the dataset to ensure optimal performance of the resulting model. In the preprocessing step, the filling of missing values and feature selection occurs, where the feature selection method being utilized is p-value. The model in this research uses the weighted average ensemble method, which is the model that combines three machine learning classification algorithms. Eight classification algorithms are tested to identify the three algorithms with the best performance, namely gaussian Naïve Bayes (NB), logistic regression (LR), and random forest (RF). Following the testing, the model constructed using the weighted average ensemble method exhibits the highest performance compared to the model built using a single classification algorithm. The performance matrix used to measure the model’s performance is area under the curve (AUC)/receiver operating characteristic (ROC), with the developed model achieving an AUC/ROC value of 0.912.

Comprehensive analysis including in-game spending and violent game playing in patients with internet gaming disorder.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is receiving increasing attention. In particular, violent gameplay or in-game spending affects the psychiatric conditions and economic difficulties of patients. We conducted regression analysis and path analysis to investigate the associations between a comprehensive list of factors in patients with IGD, including the degree of internet or gaming dependence, developmental problems, family background, severity of depression, sleeping habits, in-game spending, and first-person shooter (FPS) and third-person shooter (TPS) game playing. The participants were 47 Japanese individuals (39 males and 8 females) aged ≤20 years diagnosed with IGD with complete data from the internet addiction test, autism spectrum quotient, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All participants were asked whether their parents have divorce history, whether they have siblings, whether they play FPS or TPS games, and whether they engage in in-game spending. Firstly, we compared these factors between males and females; secondly, we conducted regression analysis and path analysis in male patients. As for simple comparison between sex, female patients showed greater severity of IGD and depressive score. In regression analysis of male patients, significant associations were found between FPS or TPS game playing and in-game spending. We also created path diagrams. The results of the comprehensive analyses suggest the possibility that bidirectional synergistic effects could be achieved by gradually reducing both violent game playing and in-game spending. The concept of internet dependence has a wide range of meanings, and for each subtype, it is important to consider the background that led to the dependence to make individualized environmental adjustments and provide psychotherapy.