Autism Spectrum Conditions Research Articles

The role of emotional factors in face processing abilities in autism spectrum conditions

Facial emotion recognition is considered atypical in individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), but emotion recognition abilities vary widely in autistic people, and there are inconsistent findings on the causes of these differences. Research indicates alexithymia may result in facial emotion recognition differences in ASC. Alternatively, mood disorders have been linked to atypical facial emotional expression recognition abilities in neurotypical adults. Investigating both the effects of alexithymia and mood disorders (depression and anxiety) is necessary to establish which of these factors may cause atypical facial emotion recognition in ASC. This study aimed to examine whether alexithymia or mood disorder symptomology is a predictor of atypical facial emotion recognition in individuals with ASC. Ninety-eight non-autistic adults and 80 autistic adults were recruited. Participants completed an online facial processing task to examine emotion and identity recognition abilities, the AQ-28, the TAS-20, and the HADS to measure autism severity, alexithymia symptoms, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Regression-based analyses found that autistic traits and autistic group membership did not predict facial emotion processing abilities after accounting for demographic variables, alexithymia and mood disorders: however, neither alexithymia nor mood disorder symptoms predicted variance in face processing abilities either. Our results concur with previous meta-analyses of facial emotion processing in autism spectrum disorder which report that studies do not always report deficits in face processing in autism: our findings are also not supportive of the model that argues that alexithymia explains facial emotion processing difficulties in autism.

Social intuition: behavioral and neurobiological considerations.

Social intuition is instrumental in bringing about successful human interactions, yet its behavioral and neural underpinnings are still poorly understood. We focus in this article on the automatic, involuntary, nature of social intuition, rather than on higher-level cognitive and explicit Theory-of-Mind processes (which contribute to rendering social intuition meaningful in real-life situations). We argue that social-affective implicit learning plays a crucial role in establishing automatic social intuition. These implicit learning processes involve associations between the perception of other's bodily articulations, concurrent events, and the consequences or outcomes in terms of subsequent actions, affective valences and visceral states. The traditional non-social implicit learning paradigms do not allow one to draw conclusions about the role of implicit learning processes in social intuition, as they lack these vital characteristics typically associated with human actions. We introduce a new implicit learning paradigm, which aims to fill these gaps. It targets agile, rapid, social-affective learning processes, involving cue contingencies with a relatively simple structure, unlike the very complex structures that underpin the traditional tasks. The paradigm features matching social and non-social versions, allowing direct comparison. Preliminary data suggest equal performance of TD (typically-developed) and ASC (autism spectrum conditions) groups on the non-social version, but impaired implicit learning in ASC on the social version. We hypothesize that this reflects an anomalous use of implicitly learned affective information in ASC when judging other people. We further argue that the mirror neuron mechanism (MNM), which is part of the Action Observation Network, forms an integral part of the neural substrate for social intuition. In particular as there are indications that the MNM supports action anticipation, and that implicitly learned information can trigger MNM activation, which both seem vital to a social intuition ability. The insights that can be derived from comparing the performances of TD and ASC individuals on (non)social implicit learning tasks, and the implications for the role of MNM activation, are discussed.

Employment needs of and barriers for Chinese youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundCultural-based literature focusing on Asian autistic immigrants living in Western countries is very limited. AimsThe present study is a quality improvement exercise aiming to fill the gap by investigating the employment needs of and barriers for Chinese autistic youth and young adults in Ontario, Canada. Methods & procedures71 individuals diagnosed with autism and 24 diagnosed with other mental illnesses, aged 12–29, participated in an online survey regarding their work readiness, work skills, interests, health and cultural concerns. Analyses were conducted to compare the autistic group and the mental health group. Outcomes & resultsResults show that the autistic sample has inferior (1) work habits related skills, (2) work style related skills, (3) level of independence, (4) skills to perform routine daily activities, (5) interpersonal skills at work, and (6) ability to tolerate visual and moving stimuli in the work environment. It is also found that the autistic group has more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and autism than that of the non-autistic group. Conclusions & implicationsThe study shed light into the unique needs and barriers of Chinese autistic young adults and the service gap in supporting their transition to employment.

Disrupted cognitive and affective empathy network interactions in autistic children viewing social animation.

Empathy can be divided into two core components, cognitive empathy (CE) and affective empathy (AE), mediated by distinct neural networks. Deficient empathy is a central feature of autism spectrum conditions (ASCs), but it is unclear if this deficit results from disruption solely within empathy networks or from disrupted functional integration between CE and AE networks. To address this issue, we measured functional connectivity (FC) patterns both within and between empathy networks in autistic children (4-8 years, n = 31) and matched typically developing (TD) children (n = 26) using near-infrared spectroscopy during the presentation of an animated story evoking CE and AE. Empathy and social communication ability were also assessed using the Empathy Quotient/Systemizing Quotient (EQ/SQ) and Social Responsiveness Scale, respectively. The results showed that the FC in the AE network of autistic children did not differ from the TD group across conditions; however, the ASC group showed weaker FC in the CE network under the CE condition and weaker FC between networks when processing AE information, the latter of which was negatively correlated with EQ scores in ASC. The empathy defect in ASC may involve abnormal integration of CE and AE network activities under AE conditions.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: prospect use of antioxidants and mitochondrial nutrients

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder characterized by mutation in the FMR1 gene, leading to the absence or reduced levels of fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP). This results in neurodevelopmental deficits, including autistic spectrum conditions. On the other hand, Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a distinct disorder caused by the premutation in the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is associated with elevated levels of FMR1 mRNA, leading to neurodegenerative manifestations such as tremors and ataxia.Mounting evidence suggests a link between both syndromes and mitochondrial dysfunction (MDF). In this minireview, we critically examine the intricate relationship between FXS, FXTAS, and MDF, focusing on potential therapeutic avenues to counteract or mitigate their adverse effects. Specifically, we explore the role of mitochondrial cofactors and antioxidants, with a particular emphasis on alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), carnitine (CARN) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Findings from this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of these disorders and foster novel therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Exploration of Emotion Analysis and Personalized Emotion Adjustment Algorithm in English Learning Process

An important component of human existence and behaviour is emotion. The automatic identification of emotions has gained significant importance in the domains of affective computing and human-machine interaction in recent times. Getting pictures of people's facial expressions is one of the simplest and least expensive methods for identifying emotions among the several physiological and kinematic data that may be utilised. Because of variations in anatomy, culture, and environment, developing a generalised, cross-subject model for emotion identification from facial expression remains difficult.This study presents an intelligent classroom that uses e-learning to help persons with autism spectrum condition strengthen their emotional abilities. Monitoring autism child engagement and participation in class while looking for signs of attention is necessary for effective classroom education. Teaching quality is increasingly being determined by the teachers' capacity to assess and evaluate the behaviour of their pupils in the classroom. Modern classroom systems are enhanced with the most recent technologies in educational institutions to make them more interactive, student-centered, and personalised. Even with these tools, it can be challenging for teachers to gauge their pupils' levels of interest and focus. This study makes use of contemporary technology to establish a real-time, intelligent vision-based classroom that can track students' moods, attendance, and levels of focus even when they are wearing face masks. In order to evaluate students' attention or lack thereof in a classroom, we trained AlexNet models that recognise student behaviour, including recognising facial expressions. Another designed to manage the irregular relationship between pupils and activities is the Interaction Students Education Neural Network ( Int_Edu_NN). The Q-matrix is used to firstly determine the pupil variable and the assignment indicator. This network is analyzed using two datasets in terms of various parameters and hence the proposed Int_Edu_NN achieves 99.% and 98% of accuracy.

Indistinguishable behavioural and neural correlates of perceptual self-other distinction in autistic and neurotypical adults

Previous research has suggested that self-bias (i.e., enhanced cognitive processing of self-versus other-relevant information) may be atypical in autism spectrum conditions (ASC), perhaps due to difficulties with self-other distinction. However, empirical evidence for this is inconsistent, and the neural basis of processing differences remains unknown. We present two experiments that aimed to test perceptual self-bias and familiarity effects in ASC using a perceptual-association task. Participants were asked to distinguish face/label associations of the self from those of other people of differing levels of familiarity (i.e., friend vs stranger). Experiment 1 took an individual differences approach by testing whether behavioural self-bias is associated with the number of autistic traits in a neurotypical adult sample (N = 59). Experiment 2 took a case–control approach by testing whether behavioural self-bias and associated ERP responses differ between neurotypical (N = 27) and autistic (N = 30) adults. Across both experiments, behavioural results showed that participants experienced a self-bias (self > friend and stranger) and a familiarity effect (e.g., friend > stranger); neither effect was affected by the number of autistic traits or autism diagnosis. In Experiment 2, analysis of N1, N2, and P3 ERP components revealed a typical self-bias in both groups (self distinct from friend and stranger), and only the autistic group showed evidence of a familiarity effect (N2 more negative-going for stranger than friend). The findings are discussed in relation to self-other distinction ability, and the relevance of other neuropsychological and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and alexithymia are also considered.

Challenges Associated with the Identification of Autism Spectrum Condition Symptomatology in Girls: A Grounded Theory Lite Approach

IntroductionFemale Autism Spectrum Conditions (FASC) often go without a proper diagnosis, receive misdiagnoses, or are diagnosed late in life compared to males.These circumstances can lead to negative consequences in their overall health, emotional well-being, educational attainment, job opportunities, and independence. There is a growing body of literature highlighting distinctions between females and males in the context of autism. Regrettably, these insights are not effectively making their way into practical applications. While shifting entrenched perspectives among practitioners is a gradual process, there is an immediate and pressing need for change in this regard. Numerous misconceptions persist regarding the presentation of FASC, hindering the recognition of its diverse effects based on an individual’s cis-gender identity or other factors.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to identify key challenges associated with the identification of ASC symptomatology in girls, with the goal of informing future research and clinical practice.MethodsUsing constant comparative analysis applicable to grounded theory lite with an inductive approach, this study employs an interpretative research methodology with a focus on generating theory from qualitative data, albeit with certain shortcuts or less resource-intensive steps. Data were collected through interviews providing insights into their experiences, behaviors, and developmental history, observations enabling to capture real-time behavioral and communicative patterns., and notes during first and initial developmental assessment, as well as using ADOS-II with some participants (according to referrals and parents’ decision), in the period of 3 years (2020-2023) from 25 girls age 18 months to 15 years and their mothers, and occasionally both parents.ResultsPreliminary findings indicate a complex interplay of behavioral, communicative, and social challenges in these girls, shedding light on potentially distinctive patterns of symptom expression in comparison to boys. Furthermore, barriers hindering parental involvement in the diagnostic process have also been identified. This study holds significant importance as it may inform future research efforts aimed at addressing these challenges that currently impede clinicians in the early identification of FASC, which manifests quite differently in girls compared to boys.ConclusionsTaking into account certain study limitations, the significance of this research lies in its capacity to influence future research initiatives. By illuminating the obstacles that hinder clinicians in the early detection of FASC, which manifest distinctively in girls compared to boys, it emphasizes the pressing need to address these challenges. This, in turn, enhances early detection and support systems for FASC, ultimately contributing to their well-being and quality of life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Towards control in agents for human behavior change: an autism case

This paper introduces an automated decision-making framework for providing controlled agent behavior in systems dealing with human behavior-change. Controlled behavior in such settings is important in order to reduce unexpected side-effects of a system’s actions. The general structure of the framework is based on a psychological theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), capturing causes to human motivational states, which enables reasoning about dynamics of human motivation. The framework consists of two main components: 1) an ontological knowledge-base that models an individual’s behavioral challenges to infer motivation states and 2) a transition system that, in a given motivation state, decides on motivational support, resulting in transitions between motivational states. The system generates plans (sequences of actions) for an agent to facilitate behavior change. A particular use-case is modeled regarding children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) who commonly experience difficulties in everyday social situations. An evaluation of a proof-of-concept prototype is performed that presents consistencies between ASC experts’ suggestions and plans generated by the system.

Emotion recognition and social functioning in individuals with autism spectrum condition and intellectual disability.

Most previous studies have examined emotion recognition in autism spectrum condition (ASC) without intellectual disability (ID). However, ASC and ID co-occur to a high degree. The main aims of the study were to examine emotion recognition in individuals with ASC and co-occurring intellectual disability (ASC-ID) as compared to individuals with ID alone, and to investigate the relationship between emotion recognition and social functioning. The sample consisted of 30 adult participants with ASC-ID and a comparison group of 29 participants with ID. Emotion recognition was assessed by the facial emotions test, while. social functioning was assessed by the social responsiveness scale-second edition (SRS-2). The accuracy of emotion recognition was significantly lower in individuals with ASC-ID compared to the control group with ID, especially when it came to identifying angry and fearful emotions. Participants with ASC-ID exhibited more pronounced difficulties in social functioning compared to those with ID, and there was a significant negative correlation between emotion recognition and social functioning. However, emotion recognition accounted for only 8% of the variability observed in social functioning. Our data indicate severe difficulties in the social-perceptual domain and in everyday social functioning in individuals with ASC-ID.

The impact of circumscribed interest distractors on attentional orienting in young children with autism: eye-tracking evidence from the remote distractor paradigm

ABSTRACT Studies from free-viewing tasks report that children with autism spectrum condition (ASC) exhibit an attentional bias for circumscribed interest (CI) objects (e.g., vehicles) over non-CI objects (e.g., furniture). This atypical preference has led researchers to hypothesise that ASC children would be more distracted by CI-related objects than non-CI-related objects. The current study aimed to explore this issue using a remote distractor paradigm. We found longer saccade latencies for centrally presented distractors in ASC, suggesting delayed endogenous disengagement. Additionally, higher error rates and fewer corrective saccades in ASC indicated poorer attentional control. Neither latencies nor errors were modulated by stimulus types but increased dwell time for CI-related objects over non-CI-related objects in ASC, demonstrated some support for the CI attentional bias reported in previous free-viewing studies. The findings are discussed in relation to how task demands in basic orienting paradigms might mask any CI-related preference bias in children with ASC.

Behavioural, developmental and psychological characteristics in children with germline PTEN mutations: a carer report study.

PTEN is primarily known as a tumour suppressor gene. However, research describes higher rates of difficulties including intellectual disability and difficulties relating to autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) in people with germline PTEN mutations. Other psychological characteristics/experiences are less often reported and are explored in this study. The parents of 20 children with PTEN mutations completed an online survey exploring adaptive behaviour, ASC-associated behaviours, anxiety, mood, hypermobility, behaviours that challenge, sensory experiences, quality of life and parental wellbeing. Published normative data and data from groups of individuals with other genetic neurodevelopmental conditions were used to contextualise findings. Overall levels of adaptive behaviour were below the 'typical' range, and no marked relative differences were noted between domains. Higher levels of ASC-related difficulties, including sensory experiences, were found in comparison with 'typically developing' children, with a possible peak in restrictive/repetitive behaviour; ASC and sensory processing atypicality also strongly correlated with reported joint hypermobility. A relative preservation of social motivation was noted. Anxiety levels were found to be elevated overall (and to relate to sensory processing and joint hypermobility), with the exception of social anxiety, which was comparable with normative data. Self-injurious behaviour was common. Results suggest a wide range of possible difficulties in children with PTEN mutations, including elevated anxiety. Despite elevated ASC phenomenology, social motivation may remain relatively strong. Firm conclusions are restricted by a small sample size and potential recruitment bias, and future research is required to further explore the relationships between such characteristics.

Dynamic functional connectivity in the right temporoparietal junction captures variations in male autistic trait expression.

Autistic individuals can experience difficulties with attention reorienting and Theory of Mind (ToM), which are closely associated with anterior and posterior subdivisions of the right temporoparietal junction. While the link between these processes remains unclear, it is likely subserved by a dynamic crosstalk between these two subdivisions. We, therefore, examined the dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between the anterior and posterior temporoparietal junction, as a biological marker of attention and ToM, to test its contribution to the manifestation of autistic trait expression in Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Two studies were conducted, exploratory (14 ASC, 15 TD) and replication (29 ASC, 29 TD), using resting-state fMRI data and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange repository. Dynamic Independent Component Analysis was performed in both datasets using the CONN toolbox. An additional sliding-window analysis was performed in the replication study to explore different connectivity states (from highly negatively to highly positively correlated). Dynamic FC was reduced in ASC compared to TD adults in both the exploratory and replication datasets and was associated with increased SRS scores (especially in ASC). Regression analyses revealed that decreased SRS autistic expression was predicted by engagement of highly negatively correlated states, while engagement of highly positively correlated states predicted increased expression. These findings provided consistent evidence that the difficulties observed in ASC are associated with altered patterns of dFC between brain regions subserving attention reorienting and ToM processes and may serve as a biomarker of autistic trait expression.

It brought us closer: How couples in the United States with children diagnosed with ASC create and maintain relationship functioning

AbstractCouples raising a child diagnosed with autism spectrum condition (ASC) experience unique challenges that can affect their relationship. This grounded theory study explores how couples maintain functioning in their relationship despite ongoing stressors related to raising a child on the spectrum. The presented model shows what couples can do to create and maintain their relationship functioning. It utilises four major themes developed from our analysis of interviews with 19 couples in the United States with a child diagnosed with ASC. This study increases understanding of couple functioning when raising a child on the spectrum. The grounded theory defines couple functioning for couples with a child diagnosed with ASC as balancing four mutually influential themes: togetherness, adaptability, resilience and communication. We also discuss clinical implications for systemic therapists to work with couples with a child diagnosed with ASC effectively.

Attentional processing of preserved face and scrambled face distractors in preschool children with autism spectrum condition

ABSTRACT The current study investigated attentional processing of preserved neutral face and scrambled neutral face distractors at both involuntary and voluntary orienting levels in children with and without autism spectrum condition (ASC). The findings suggest similar influences of face configuration on reflexive orienting in both groups but reveal group differences in voluntary disengagement from face-related distractors. The ASC group exhibited difficulties in disengaging from the central neutral faces, and the TD group showed longer latencies for scrambled faces. These group differences suggest inefficiency in adopting a global face processing strategy at the voluntary attentional level in ASC. We discuss how the observed effects might impact upon the development of social communication skills in ASC.

Circulating Levels of 5-HT and BDNF in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Investigation in a Sample of Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their First-degree Relatives and Controls.

Several studies investigated circulating levels of serotonin (5- HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More limited literature focused on ASD adults or on populations with subthreshold autism spectrum manifestations, such as relatives of ASD probands. This study aimed to investigate 5-HT and BDNF levels in adults with autism spectrum conditions. Correlations between levels of biochemical variables and ASD symptoms were also evaluated. a sample of ASD adults, their first-degree relatives (Broad autism phenotype, BAP group), and controls were recruited and assessed with psychometric scales. Blood samples were collected from all participants. 5-HT and BDNF levels were measured by means of ELISA kits. ASD adults showed significantly lower platelet-poor plasma (PPP) 5-HT levels than BAP and control groups. No significant difference was found among groups for PPP BDNF levels and intra-platelet 5-HT levels. 5-HT levels were reported to be specifically correlated with some autism symptoms. This work highlighted the presence in ASD adults of reduced PPP 5-HT levels than in other groups, without significant differences with respect to BDNF levels, supporting the hypothesis that biochemical correlates of ASD in adults may be different from those typically reported in children.

Dialectical behaviour therapy outcomes for adolescents with autism spectrum conditions compared to those without: findings from a seven-year service evaluation

PurposeAutism spectrum conditions (ASC) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have overlapping symptom profiles. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an established treatment for self-harm and BPD, but little research has investigated the outcomes of DBT for ASC populations. This exploratory service evaluation aims to investigate the outcomes of a comprehensive DBT programme for adolescents with a diagnosis of emerging BPD and a co-occurring ASC diagnosis as compared to those without an ASC diagnosis.Design/methodology/approachDifferences from the start to end of treatment in the frequency of self-harming behaviours, BPD symptoms, emotion dysregulation, depression, anxiety, the number of A&E attendances and inpatient bed days, education and work status, and treatment non-completion rates were analysed for those with an ASC diagnosis, and compared between those with an ASC diagnosis and those without.FindingsSignificant medium to large reductions in self-harming behaviours, BPD symptoms, emotion dysregulation and inpatient bed days were found for those with an ASC diagnosis by the end of treatment. There were no significant differences between those with an ASC and those without in any outcome or in non-completion rates. These findings indicate that DBT may be a useful treatment model for those with an ASC diagnosis, though all results are preliminary and require replication.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report the outcomes of a comprehensive DBT programme for adolescents with an ASC diagnosis, and to compare the changes in outcomes between those with a diagnosis and those without.

Emotional Face Processing in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Study of Attentional Orienting and Inhibitory Control.

A core feature of Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is the presence of difficulties in social interactions. This can be explained by an atypical attentional processing of social information: individuals with ASC may show problems with orienting attention to socially relevant stimuli and/or inhibiting their attentional responses to irrelevant ones. To shed light on this issue, we examined attentional orienting and inhibitory control to emotional stimuli (angry, happy, and neutral faces).An antisaccade task (with both prosaccade and antisacade blocks) was applied to a final sample of 29 children with ASC and 27 children with typical development (TD).Whereas children with ASC committed more antisaccade errors when seeing angry faces than happy or neutral ones, TD children committed more antisaccade errors when encountering happy faces than neutral faces. Furthermore, latencies in the prosaccade and antisaccade blocks were longer in children with ASC and they were associated with the severity of ASC symptoms. Thus, children with ASC showed an impaired inhibitory control when angry faces were presented.This bias to negative high-arousal information is congruent with affective information-processing theories on ASC, suggesting that threatening stimuli induce an overwhelming response in ASC. Therapeutic strategies where train the shift attention to emotional stimuli (i.e. faces) may improve ASC symptomatology and their socials functioning.

The relationships of autistic child characteristics, metacognitive beliefs, and autistic traits with affiliate stigma among parents of children with autism spectrum conditions: A moderated mediation study

BackgroundCaregivers of children with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) are typically affected by autism-related stigma, which is internalized to form affiliate stigma. Limited studies have explored the factors potentially associated with affiliate stigma among parents of children with ASC. The present study examined the relationships among autistic child characteristics, parental autistic traits, parental metacognitive beliefs, and parental affiliate stigma. MethodWe recruited 134 parents of children with ASC in a cross-sectional study. We assessed autistic child characteristics, parental autistic traits, parental metacognitive beliefs, and parental affiliate stigma by using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Metacognition Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), and the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS). Path analysis was performed to examine the relationships between autistic child characteristics, parental autistic traits, parental metacognitive beliefs, and parental affiliate stigma. ResultsThere were correlations among autistic child characteristics, parental metacognitive beliefs, and parental affiliate stigma. Parental metacognitive beliefs mediated the relationship between autistic child characteristics and parental affiliate stigma, whereas parental autistic traits were not a moderating factor. ConclusionsThis study revealed the factors potentially associated with the affiliate stigma of parents of children with ASC. The findings highlight the importance of considering parental metacognitive beliefs when assessing and managing parental affiliate stigma.

A novel image database for social concepts reveals preference biases in autistic spectrum in adults and children.

Human beings display the extraordinary ability of grasping and communicating abstract concepts. Yet, no standardized instruments exist to assess this ability. Developing these tools is paramount for understanding abstract representations such as social concepts, with ramifications in educational and clinical settings. Here, we developed an image database depicting abstract social concepts varying in social desirability. We first validated the image database in a sample of neurotypical participants. Then, we applied the database to test different hypotheses regarding how social concepts are represented across samples of adults and children with autism spectrum condition (ASC). Relative to the neurotypicals, we did not observe differences related to ASC in identification performance of the social desirability of the concepts, nor differences in metacognitive ability. However, we observed a preference bias away from prosocial concepts that was linked to individual autistic traits in the neurotypicals, and higher in ASC relative to the neurotypicals both in adults and children. These results indicate that abstract representations such as social concepts are dependent on individual neurodevelopmental traits. The image database thus provides a standardized assessment tool for investigating the representation of abstract social concepts in the fields of psycholinguistics, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience, across different cultures and languages.