Stability of Autistic Traits in the General Population
Author Information
Author(s): Andrew J. O. Whitehouse, Martha Hickey, Angelica Ronald
Primary Institution: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia
Hypothesis
There is developmental stability in the severity of behaviors reflecting social and non-social autistic traits from early childhood to adulthood.
Conclusion
The study found modest developmental stability of social autistic traits from early childhood to adulthood in boys, but no significant associations for girls.
Supporting Evidence
- Total autistic traits in early childhood were positively correlated with total autistic traits in adulthood.
- Social autistic traits showed significant correlations between childhood and adulthood in boys.
- No significant longitudinal associations were observed for girls.
Takeaway
The study looked at how autistic traits in kids stay the same as they grow up, finding that boys show some stability in social traits, while girls do not.
Methodology
The study measured autistic traits in 760 individuals at ages 2 and 19-20 using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.
Potential Biases
The sample may have experienced a more socially advantageous environment due to attrition.
Limitations
The study used different measures and raters at the two ages, which may have influenced the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 360 males and 400 females from the general population.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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