title: 'Subtypes' in the presentation of autistic traits in the general adult population.
abstract: The present study examined the presentation of autistic traits in a large adult population sample (n = 2,343). Cluster analysis indicated two subgroups with clearly distinguishable trait profiles. One group (n = 1,059) reported greater social difficulties and lower detail orientation, while the second group (n = 1,284) reported lesser social difficulties and greater detail orientation. We also report a three-factor solution for the autism-spectrum quotient, with two, related, social-themed factors (Sociability and Mentalising) and a third non-social factor that varied independently (Detail Orientation). These results indicate that different profiles of autistic characteristics tend to occur in the adult nonclinical population. Research into nonclinical variance in autistic features may benefit by considering social- and detail-related trait domains independently.
authors.affiliation: Cognition and Philosophy Lab, Philosophy Department, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia, Colin.Palmer@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Colin J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Paton
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Enticott
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hohwy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011153:Population; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics