The Latent Structure of Autistic Traits: A Taxometric, Latent Class and Latent Profile Analysis of the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient

James, Richard J.E.; Dubey, Indu; Smith, Danielle; Ropar, Danielle; Tunney, Richard J.

Abstract

Autistic traits are widely thought to operate along a continuum. A taxometric analysis of Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient data was conducted to test this assumption, finding little support but identifying a high severity taxon. To understand this further, latent class and latent profile models were estimated that indicated the presence of six distinct subtypes: one with little probability of endorsing any autistic traits, one engaging in ‘systemising’ behaviours, three groups endorsing multiple components of Wing and Gould’s autistic triad, and a group similar in size and profile the taxon previously identified. These analyses suggest the AQ (and potentially by extension autistic traits) have a categorical structure. These findings have important implications for the analysis and interpretation of AQ data.

Citation

James, R. J., Dubey, I., Smith, D., Ropar, D., & Tunney, R. J. (2016). The Latent Structure of Autistic Traits: A Taxometric, Latent Class and Latent Profile Analysis of the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(12), 3712-3728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2897-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 15, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Sep 12, 2016
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 12, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Print ISSN: 0162-3257
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-3432
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 3712-3728
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2897-z
• Keywords: Autism Quotient; autistic traits; taxometric analysis; latent class analysis; latent structure analysis; nosology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/818221
• Publisher URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10803-016-2897-z
• Contract Date: Aug 23, 2016