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Differential Gender Effects in the Relationship between Perceived Immune Functioning and Autistic Traits
Marlou Mackus1, Deborah de Kruijff2, Leila S Otten3
1Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.mackus@uu.nl.
Summary
This study found a modest link between how people perceive their immune functioning and autistic traits, particularly difficulties with change, in healthy young adults. The connection was more noticeable in women.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Altered immune functioning is observed in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Research is needed to understand the relationship between immune system perception and autistic traits in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between perceived immune functioning and autistic traits in healthy young adults.
- To explore specific autistic trait domains, including social insights, behavior, change, communication, imagination, and detail orientation.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 410 university students assessing perceived immune functioning (1-item rating and Immune Function Questionnaire) and autistic traits (Autism-Spectrum Quotient).
- Statistical analyses examined correlations between perceived immune functioning scores and total/subscale scores of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between the 1-item perceived immune functioning score and the total Autism-Spectrum Quotient score.
- A significant negative correlation emerged between perceived immune functioning and the 'difficulties with change' subscale of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (r = -0.119, p = 0.019).
- In women, perceived immune functioning negatively correlated with 'difficulties with change' (r = -0.149, p = 0.029) and 'communication' (r = -0.145, p = 0.032) subscales; no significant correlations were found in men.
Conclusions:
- A modest relationship exists between perceived immune functioning and specific autistic traits, notably difficulties with change and communication, particularly in women.
- These findings suggest a potential interplay between immune perception and autistic traits that warrants further investigation in diverse populations.