Peace is the love that binds us together as one - Hari Srinivasan
Autistic Traits in the General NT Population
I'm somewhat conflicted on this research. We have hardly gotten around to understanding and finding solutions for the vast heterogeneity that is autism today. Frankly its one hot mess right now.
Are we adding to the confusion with studies like this which are going about investigating the general NT population to see if they too have "autistic traits." Its almost like trying to prove, everyone has some autistic traits which is all nice for a coffee chit chat, but is distracting us from focus on research based solutions that many of the more impacted autistics desperately need. Because if everyone has autism, then no further action is needed.
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Article 1
Palmer CJ, Paton B, Enticott PG, Hohwy J. 2015. “Subtypes” in the presentation of autistic traits in the general adult population. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 45:1291–301
Key Takeaways.
- The study examined the presentation of autistic traits in a large adult population sample using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ).
- Cluster analysis was used to identify two subgroups with distinguishable trait profiles related to autism.
- The first subgroup (n = 1,059) reported significantly higher scores on the AQ subscales related to social difficulties (Social Skills and Communication) and significantly lower scores on the Detail Orientation subscale.
- The second subgroup (n = 1,284) reported significantly higher scores on the Detail Orientation subscale and significantly lower scores on the Social Skills subscale.
- The study also found that the AQ had a three-factor solution, with two related social-themed factors (Sociability and Mentalising) and a third non-social factor that varied independently (Detail Orientation).
- These findings suggest that there is significant variability in the presentation of autistic traits in the general adult population, and that different profiles of autistic characteristics tend to occur in nonclinical populations.
Austin EJ. 2005. Personality correlates of the broader autism phenotype as assessed by the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Personal. Individ. Differ. 38:451–60
Key Takeaways
- There is evidence to suggest the existence of a broader autism phenotype, with non-autistic relatives of autistic individuals showing similar traits and characteristics.
- The study aimed to characterize the five-factor personality model profile of the broader autism phenotype as assessed by the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) which has shown to be a valid tool for assessing autism traits in the general population.
- The AQ and personality scale were completed by 201 undergraduates and a second group of 136 adults completed the personality scale and the Asperger screening measure.
- High scores on both 'autism' measures were associated with high neuroticism and low extraversion and agreeableness.
- Three of the five proposed sub-scales of the AQ emerged from the factor analysis.
- Males had higher AQ scores than females, 'hard' science students had higher scores than other students, and students with parent(s) in a scientific occupation had higher scores.
- The AQ and sub-scales had satisfactory or near-satisfactory reliabilities.
- Male participants, science students, and individuals from a scientific family background tend to have higher scores on the AQ, indicating a higher likelihood of autistic traits.
Article 3:
Ruzich E, Allison C, Smith P, Watson P, Auyeung B, et al. 2015. Measuring autistic traits in the general population: a systematic review of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.
Key Takeaways:
- The study reports a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to estimate a reliable mean AQ score in individuals without a diagnosis of an autism, in order to establish a reference norm for future studies.
- Mean AQ score for the nonclinical population was 16.94 (95% CI 11.6, 20.0), while mean AQ score for the clinical population with ASC was found to be 35.19 (95% CI 27.6, 41.1).
- In the nonclinical population, a sex difference in autistic traits was found, although no sex difference in AQ score was seen in the clinical ASC population.
Attention Check Questions
In my grad school journey or learning to do research, I come across many interesting concepts. Here's one.
Attention check questions, sometimes called validity checks or instructional manipulation checks, are typically included in a survey or questionnaire to ensure that respondents are reading and fully understanding the questions. They serve as a way to assess whether participants are paying attention and not just rushing through or randomly answering questions in order to collect payment. They help improve the reliability and validity of the data collected in a survey.An example of a simple attention check question could be "Please select 'Somewhat agree' for this question." If a respondent doesn't select 'Somewhat agree,' it can be inferred that they aren't reading the questions carefully, which could invalidate their other responses.
More complex attention check questions might be embedded within the content of the questionnaire. For instance, you might ask a question where the correct answer is obvious or already stated in the questionnaire, or where the answer should be logically consistent with previous responses.
Such checks are important when you're conducting research that relies on self-reported data, as they can help you filter out unreliable responses. However, they should be used judiciously. If used excessively or inappropriately, they can frustrate participants or create bias in your results. They should not be designed to trick respondents or make them feel foolish, and respondents should be informed at the start of the survey that their responses will be checked for consistency and attentiveness
There's no hard and fast rule about where attention check questions should be placed in a questionnaire, as it often depends on the specifics of the questionnaire and the goals of the researcher.
Some general guidelines
- Spacing: For a lengthy survey, it may be good to sprinkle several attention checks throughout the survey. They shouldn't be too close together, as that might be annoying or confusing for the respondents. The goal is to check for consistent attention throughout the survey, so they might be placed at regular intervals. For example, if you have a 50-question survey, you could place an attention check question after every 10 or 15 questions.
- Variety: of attention check question types means participants can't easily identify them and respond correctly without paying attention to the rest of the survey.
- Placement in Context: The questions can sometimes be related to the subject matter of the survey. In this case, they should be placed where they make the most sense in the context of the other questions.
- Randomization: If possible, randomizing the order of questions, including attention checks, can help avoid bias that might result from their position in the survey.
- Placement in Important Sections: If there are certain sections of the survey where it is particularly important that respondents are paying attention (e.g., complex questions or key measures), it might make sense to include an attention check question immediately before or after that section.
- Avoiding End or Start: At the start, respondents are usually more attentive, and at the end, they may be rushing to finish. Hence, these locations may not accurately capture the participant's overall level of attention.
Peace is the voice of reason that rises above the noise.
Peace is the voice of reason that rises above the noise.
A Simple Guide to the DSM and Autism
Lexicon [Measures] - DSM
PlainSpeak. In Plain Language for the Lay Reader
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a big book that doctors and mental health professionals use to diagnose and understand mental health conditions.
Here’s a quick history of the DSM, focusing on how it has changed its understanding of autism over the years.
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