Investigating alexithymia in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

New research suggests that, rather than representing a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional processing difficulties reflect co-occurring alexithymia. Autistic individuals with alexithymia could therefore represent a specific subgroup of autism who may benefit from tailored interventions. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the nature and prevalence of alexithymia in autism using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS).

Methods

Online scientific databases were searched systematically for studies on ASD popu lations using the TAS. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate differences in scores between the ASD and neurotypical groups, and to determine the prevalence of alexithymia in these populations.

Results

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SUBMITTER: Kinnaird E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6331035 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature