Profiles of circumscribed interests in autistic youth

Abstract

Circumscribed interests (CI) encompass a range of different interests and related behaviors that can be characterized by either a high intensity but otherwise usual topic [referred to as restricted interests (RI)] or by a focus on topics that are not salient outside of autism [referred to as unusual interests (UI)]. Previous research has suggested that there is pronounced variability across individuals in terms of the endorsement of different interests, however, this variability has not been quantified using formal subtyping approaches. Therefore, using Latent Profile Analysis in a sample of 1,892 autistic youth (Mage = 10.82, SDage = 4.14; 420 females), this study aimed to identify subgroups based on the RU and UI profiles. Three profiles of autistic individuals were identified. They were characterized as Low CI, Predominantly RI, and Predominantly UI. Importantly, profiles differed on several key demographic and clinical variables, including age, sex composition, IQ, language level, social and communication abilities, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Although replication across other samples is needed, the profiles identified in this study are potentially promising for future research given their distinct profiles of RI and UI and unique patterns of associations with key cognitive and clinical variables. Therefore, this study represents an important initial step towards more individualized assessment and support for diverse presentations of CI in autistic youth.

Special considerations for assessing and caring for autism in girls and women

“…Currently, findings have gained strength as they rely on studies with larger samples, gradually incorporating more autistic women [6], as well as on reviews, metaanalyses and research presented as follows. These show that autistic women have better language skills [7], more social camouflaging [8][9][10][11][12], different and more social interests than autistic men [13,14], but also that they are more likely to develop associated comorbidities, especially psychiatric conditions [15,16]. These behavioral results are also supported by neuroimaging [18,19].…”

“…Additionally, while autistic individuals are more inclined to choose computer science compared to nonautistic individuals, autistic girls are less likely to do so compared to autistic boys [90 ▪▪ ]. On the other hand, girls are more represented in artistic fields [90 ▪▪ ], in line with the differences in interests observed at a younger age [13,14]. During the transition to employment, the study of Vincent and Ralston [90 ▪▪ ] shows that 68% of individuals without disabilities have full-time jobs, but only 34% of autistic individuals do.…”

Specific interests as a social boundary and bridge: A qualitative interview study with autistic individuals

“…Second, none of the participants of this study had more unusual interests, such as a fascination for dates, collecting unusual items, or focusing on the visual aspects of objects. However, a study conducted by Spackman et al (2023) discovered that young autistic individuals with unusual interests exhibited significantly greater impairments in social and communication skills compared to those with more typical interests, such as history, vehicles, or science. Therefore, further research is necessary to investigate the impact of specific interests on the social lives of autistic individuals with more unusual interests.…”