Alexithymia and Autism

Alexithymia is characterized by difficulty in recognizing and expressing one's emotional experiences.

The term was first used in the 1970s by psychotherapist Peter Sifneos to describe a group of people who had difficulty expressing their emotions. They may also be more prone to stress-related issues and have difficulties coping with stress in general.

Studies find the prevalence of alexithymia in autistics to range from 50% to 66% compared to a 10% prevalence in the neurotypical population (1,2).

1. Alexithymia in autistics has been associated with several negative outcomes.Social communication difficulties: Difficulty expressing emotions and interpreting the emotions of others, can interfere with social communication; which may be particularly pronounced in autistics, who already experience social communication difficulties (3).
2. Reduced quality of life due to the negative impact on social relationships (4)
3. Increased anxiety and depression: One study found that alexithymia was a significant predictor of depression in autistic adults (5).
4. Greater risk for negative outcomes: In a longitudinal study of autistic children those with higher levels of alexithymia were found to have a higher risk for negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems over time (6).

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A Plain Language Version

What is Alexithymia? Alexithymia is when someone has a hard time recognizing and talking about their own emotions. They might also find it tough to cope with stress and are more likely to have stress-related issues.

History of Alexithymia The term "alexithymia" was first used in the 1970s by a psychotherapist named Peter Sifneos. He noticed that some people had difficulty expressing their emotions and gave this condition a name.

Alexithymia and Autism Studies show that alexithymia is much more common in autism. About 50% to 66% of autistics have alexithymia, compared to only about 10% of people without autism.

Effects of Alexithymia in Autism

1. Social Communication Difficulties: Autistics with alexithymia have an even harder time expressing emotions and understanding others' emotions, making social interactions more challenging.
2. Reduced Quality of Life: Having trouble with social relationships can lower overall happiness and satisfaction in life.
3. Increased Anxiety and Depression: Research shows that alexithymia can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression in autistic adults.
4. Greater Risk for Negative Outcomes: In a long-term study of autistic children, those with higher levels of alexithymia were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems as they grew up.

Understanding and addressing alexithymia in autism is important for improving social interactions, mental health, and overall quality of life.

References

(1) Tsolaki, A., Batrinos, M. L., & Karekla, M. (2020). Alexithymia in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(8), 2630-2645.

(2) Bird, G., Cook, R., Lewis, J., & Press, C. (2010). The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality in Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(8), 1024-1031.

(3) Hobson, J. A., & Hobson, R. P. (2011). Identification and the mind's eye. In J. A. Hobson, & J. W. Russell (Eds.), The approximate mind: Dissociative mind in philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive science (pp. 85-103). Oxford University Press.

(4) Grynspan, O., Weiss, P. L., Perez-Diaz, F., & Gal, E. (2018). Alexithymia and autistic traits predict health-related quality of life in individuals with high-functioning autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(5), 1525-1537.

(5) Trevisan, D. A., Birmingham, E., & Grossi, D. (2016). Alexithymia in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(4), 1303-1315.

(6) Hill, E. L., Berthoz, S., & Frith, U. (2014). Brief report: Cognitive processing of own emotions in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder and in their relatives. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(9), 2297-2304.