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

Variables predicting the association between autistic traits and externalizing symptoms among young adults María Álvarez-Couto, Domingo García-Villamisar, Gema P. Sáez-Suanes, María d'Orey Roquete Advances in Autism, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.- 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. One hundred and seventeen postsecondary students participated in the study, providing responses to a battery of self-reported tests. 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). 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. The results reported rein...
Source: Advances in Autism - Category: Child Development Authors: Source Type: research