Phenotypic divergence between individuals with self-reported autistic traits and clinically ascertained autism.

ABSTRACT: While allowing for rapid recruitment of large samples, online research relies heavily on participants' self-reports of neuropsychiatric traits, foregoing the clinical characterizations available in laboratory settings. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research is one example for which the clinical validity of such an approach remains elusive. Here we compared 56 adults with ASD recruited in person and evaluated by clinicians to matched samples of adults recruited through an online platform (Prolific; 56 with high autistic traits and 56 with low autistic traits) and evaluated via self-reported surveys. Despite having comparable self-reported autistic traits, the online high-trait group reported significantly more social anxiety and avoidant symptoms than in-person ASD participants. Within the

SUBMITTER: Banker SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11896879 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature