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Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach
- Source :
-
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders . May 2022 52(5):2019-2034. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate condition. Using factor-analytic and network approaches, we provide evidence that alexithymic and autistic traits are distinct. We argue that: (1) models of socioemotional processing in autism should conceptualise difficulties as intrinsic to alexithymia; and (2) assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalised interventions.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0162-3257
- Volume :
- 52
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1333224
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05094-6