Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism
Published on: October 3, 2018
Autism in adults with severe intellectual disability: an empirical study of symptom presentation
Johnny L Matson1, Jonathan Wilkins, Martin Ancona
1Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. johnmatson@aol.com
Background:
Autism is one of the most intriguing and highly studied conditions in the field of mental health. However, most research has been carried out with young children to the exclusion of adults, particularly adults with intellectual disability (ID). The present study represents a first attempt to describe symptom patterns of autism for adults with severe ID.
Method:
Fifty-seven adults with ID who met DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for autism were compared to 57 matched controls with ID only (no Axis I diagnosis).
Results:
Marked differences were noted in a range of symptoms, particularly with respect to impairments in social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests. These items were able to predict the presence or absence of autism at a high rate of diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
Based on these findings, it appears that adults with ID and autism evince a distinct pattern of impairment when compared to controls with ID alone.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Intellectual Disability
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
