title: Exploring the 'fractionation' of autism at the cognitive level.
abstract: Autism spectrum disorders are defined by difficulties across a range of areas: social and communication difficulties and restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. It has been suggested that this triad of symptoms cannot be explained by a single cause at the genetic, neural or cognitive level. This article reviews the evidence for a 'fractionable' autism triad at the cognitive level, highlighting questions for future research.
authors.affiliation: King's College London, UK.
authors.forename: Victoria E A
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Brunsdon
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Happé
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D056345:Theory of Mind / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Theory of Mind; autism spectrum disorder; central coherence; cognitive theories; executive function; fractionable triad