Variables predicting the association between autistic traits and externalizing symptoms among young adults

Abstract

Purpose Considering the high comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with externalizing disorders and that ASD is considered as a continuum, which implies the identification of it features in the whole population, the purpose of this paper is to know the characteristics of the association of externalizing symptoms in the population with ASD traits. Design/methodology/approach One hundred and seventeen postsecondary students participated in the study, providing responses to a battery of self-reported tests. Findings The existence of a significant association between ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0.519; p < 0.01) was proved. Regression analyses showed that problems in executive functioning, working memory deficits and difficulties in the use of emotion regulation strategies predicted the presence of ADHD traits (F = 36.757, R2 = 62.3%, p < 0. 01) and impulsivity behavior (F = 18.249, R2 = 45.1%, p < 0.01). Research limitations/implications Externalizing symptomatology in people with higher ASD traits is extended to the general population. Future research should study other problematic behaviors, such as aggression or self-harm, to continue generating appropriate interventions. Originality/value The results reported reinforce the study of ASD as a dimensional disorder, in line with the latest advances in the classification of psychopathology. Considering which variables are behind the problematic behaviors allows interventions to be focused on these factors, contributing to their reduction and to the improvement of professional practices.

Applying a Rasch model to the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire: item severity analysis and differential test functioning of the English and Spanish versions

“…When studying the BAP, the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ; Hurley et al, 2007) has been extendedly applied over different countries and cultures (e.g., China, Shi et al, 2015;Israel, Seidman et al, 2012). It was designed to measure the BAP in parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; APA, 2013) and it has been subsequently applied to broader community samples (e.g., Álvarez-Couto et al, 2021;Godoy-Giménez et al, 2018;Jakobson et al, 2018;Jamil et al, 2017;Morrison et al, 2018;Stojković et al, 2018). It represents the BAP original structure: Aloof personality, Rigid personality, and Pragmatic Language impairment (Piven et al, 1997a, b) which paralleled autism disorder domains of impairment of the prior DSM-IV definition (APA, 1994).…”