Unknown

Dataset Information

0

Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach.


ABSTRACT: Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate condition. Using factor-analytic and network approaches, we provide evidence that alexithymic and autistic traits are distinct. We argue that: (1) models of socioemotional processing in autism should conceptualise difficulties as intrinsic to alexithymia; and (2) assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalised interventions.

SUBMITTER: Cuve HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9021140 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications

Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach.

Cuve Hélio Clemente HC   Murphy Jennifer J   Hobson Hannah H   Ichijo Eri E   Catmur Caroline C   Bird Geoffrey G  

Journal of autism and developmental disorders 20210601 5


Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate con  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC4810325 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7543015 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4390314 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6705866 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8781349 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4053643 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6334924 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC2935882 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3044140 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3928244 | biostudies-literature