Adults' Ratings of Youths With Autism Spectrum Disorder When Recalling a Stressful Event

Abstract

This study examined young adults' ratings of the credibility and honesty/coherence of youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing (TD) youths. The youths (six with ASD and six TD; 12–18 years old, males) recalled participating in the TRIER Social Stress Test. Video clips of their free recall were shown to undergraduate students (N = 304) who rated the youths on a 10‐item questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed two factors: credibility and honesty/coherence. Analyses showed that ASD youths were rated as less credible and less honest/coherent than TD youths. In addition, older age and more correct memory predicted greater credibility, and older age predicted greater perceived honesty/coherence. There were no significant interactions with diagnosis. This is the first study to examine adults' ratings of ASD youths who are recalling a stressful event.