The latent structure of autistic traits: a taxometric, latent class and latent profile analysis of the adult autism spectrum quotient

James, R. J. E., Dubey, I., Smith, D., Ropar, D. and Tunney, R. J. (2016) The latent structure of autistic traits: a taxometric, latent class and latent profile analysis of the adult autism spectrum quotient. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46 (12). pp. 3712-3728. ISSN 0162-3257 doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2897-z

Abstract/Summary

Autistic traits are widely thought to operate along a continuum. A taxometric analysis of Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient data was conducted to test this assumption, finding little support but identifying a high severity taxon. To understand this further, latent class and latent profile models were estimated that indicated the presence of six distinct subtypes: one with little probability of endorsing any autistic traits, one engaging in ‘systemising’ behaviours, three groups endorsing multiple components of Wing and Gould’s autistic triad, and a group similar in size and profile to the taxon previously identified. These analyses suggest the AQ (and potentially by extension autistic traits) have a categorical structure. These findings have important implications for the analysis and interpretation of AQ data.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/70885
Identification Number/DOI	10.1007/s10803-016-2897-z
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) Research Network Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Publisher	Springer
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item