The Latent Structure of Autistic Traits: A Taxometric, Latent Class and Latent Profile Analysis of the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient.
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.
School of Psychology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. lpxrj2@nottingham.ac.uk.
Richard J E
RJ
James
School of Psychology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Indu
I
Dubey
School of Psychology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Danielle
D
Smith
School of Psychology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Danielle
D
Ropar
School of Psychology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Richard J
RJ
Tunney
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Autism quotient; Autistic traits; Latent class analysis; Latent structure analysis; Nosology; Taxometric analysis