Thought disorder in high-functioning autistic adults

Abstract

Examined thought disorder in a sample (n = 11) of high-functioning autistic young adults and older adolescents (mean IQ = 83) utilizing objective ratings from the Thought, Language and Communication Disorder Scale (TLC Scale) and projective data from the Rorschach ink blots. Results from the TLC Scale pointed to negative features of thought disorder in this sample (e.g., Poverty of Speech). Rorschach protocols revealed poor reality testing and perceptual distortions in every autistic subject, and also identified several areas of cognitive slippage (e.g., Incongruous Combinations, Fabulized Combinations, Deviant Responses, Inappropriate Logic). Comparing TLC Scale and Rorschach results to schizophrenic reference groups, autistic subjects demonstrated significantly more Poverty of Speech and less Illogically on the TLC Scale, and on the Rorschach they evidenced features of thought disorder that are encountered also in schizophrenia. Results are discussed in relation to the measures employed, and to areas of similarity and difference between autism and schizophrenia.

Autism and schizophrenia in high functioning adults: Behavioral differences and overlap

“…An overlap in negative symptoms between the two disorders has been reported previously (Dykens et al, 1991;Konstantareas & Hewitt, 2001;Petty et al, 1984;Sheitman et al, 2004). Apparently, autism and schizophrenia in adults cannot be distinguished based on the presence or absence of negative symptoms.…”

“…At the behavioral level, research showed which features that are associated with negative symptoms, as described in schizophrenia, are also present in autism (Dykens et al, 1991;Konstantareas & Hewitt, 2001;Petty, Ornitz, Michelman, & Zimmerman, 1984;Sheitman, Bodfish, & Carmel, 2004). Furthermore, behavioral differences between the two groups have been reported in face orientation and recognition (Bö lte, Rudolf, & Poustka, 2002;Sasson et al, 2007).…”

“…However, research continued to report some degree of overlap between autism and schizophrenia (Dykens, Volkmar, & Glick, 1991;Konstantareas & Hewitt, 2001). Currently, the growing body of genetic studies in autism and schizophrenia enabled a more fundamental examination of the overlap and differences between the two disorders.…”

A Family History Study of Asperger Syndrome

“…Patients with AS may also resemble those with schizophrenia, especially those with positive schizophrenia. They may appear disorganized and tangential in their thinking, with overvalued ideas and a tendency to fixate on their internal life (Dykens, Volkmar, & Glick 1991;Ghaziuddin, Leininger, & Tsai, et al, 1995). Some of them develop brief psychotic episodes of unknown cause, while others develop psychotic behavior in the setting of mood disorders.…”

The use of the Autism-spectrum Quotient in differentiating high-functioning adults with autism, adults with schizophrenia and a neurotypical adult control group

“…The distinction between autism and schizophrenia becomes particularly unclear when little or no positive symptoms are present (Werry, 1992). Several studies reported overlap in negative symptoms between the two disorders (Dykens, Volkmar, & Glick, 1991;Konstantareas & Hewitt, 2001;Petty, Ornitz, Michelman, & Zimmerman, 1984;Sheitman, Bodfish, & Carmel, 2004;Spek & Wouters, 2010). The negative symptoms of schizophrenia (lack of emotion and thoughts, poverty of speech and apathy) behaviorally look similar to the symptoms that are characteristic for autism (disinterest, social withdrawal, difficulty in understanding social situations, lack of fantasy, reduced reciprocal social interaction).…”