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Autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy
SallyAnn Wakeford1, Neal Hinvest1, Howard Ring2
1Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Adults with epilepsy show more autistic traits, even without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This suggests epilepsy may include autism-like behaviors without all core cognitive features of ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- High comorbidity between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy, with prevalence ranging from 15% to 47%.
- Limited systematic research on autistic characteristics in epilepsy populations.
- Unclear relationship between epilepsy and core autism characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify autistic traits and characteristics in adults with epilepsy.
- To investigate autistic features in adults with epilepsy who do not have a formal ASD diagnosis.
- To explore the relationship between epilepsy and core autism traits.
Main Methods:
- Employed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to measure autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy (n=40) and controls (n=38).
- Assessed systemizing and empathizing abilities using the Intuitive Physics test and the Adult Eyes Task-Revised in epilepsy (n=19) and control (n=23) groups.
Main Results:
- Adults with epilepsy exhibited significantly more autistic behavioral traits as measured by the AQ.
- Individuals with epilepsy maintained intact systemizing and empathizing abilities.
- Autism-like symptoms in adults with epilepsy may occur without the broader cognitive profile typical of ASD.
Conclusions:
- Elevated autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy, even without an ASD diagnosis.
- Epilepsy syndromes may encompass behavioral aspects of autism.
- These findings suggest a dissociation between behavioral and some cognitive features of autism in epilepsy.
Keywords:
Asperger conditionAsperger disorderAutismAutism spectrum disordersAutistic traitsComorbidityEmpathizingEpilepsySystemizingMore Related Videos
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