Association Between Intellectual Functioning and Autistic Traits in the General Population of Children

Overview

Journal Child Psychiatry Hum Dev

Specialties Pediatrics
Psychiatry

Date 2023 Jun 23

PMID 37351708

Authors

Maria Marinopoulou

Eva Billstedt

Catrin Wessman

Carl-Gustaf Bornehag

Maria Unenge Hallerback

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Autistic traits are continuously distributed in the general population. The associations between autistic traits and intellectual functioning and/or behavioural difficulties, and the impact of intellectual functioning on behavioural difficulties are unclear. The study aims to describe the distribution of autistic traits in a population-based cross-sectional sample of children. Further aims are to examine the association between intellectual functioning and autistic traits, and between autistic traits and behavioural difficulties. Wechsler scales and ratings of autistic traits and behavioural problems in 874 children aged 7-9 years in the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) study were assessed. We found a continuous distribution of autistic traits. Intellectual functioning was negatively associated with autistic traits but not with behavioural difficulties. Behavioural difficulties were associated with autistic traits.

Citing Articles

Association of genetic variants with autism spectrum disorder in Japanese children revealed by targeted sequencing.

Shiota Y, Nishiyama T, Yokoyama S, Yoshimura Y, Hasegawa C, Tanaka S Front Genet. 2024; 15:1352480.

PMID: 39280100 PMC: 11395840. DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1352480.

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