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Published on: July 31, 2016
Brief Report: Facial Asymmetry and Autistic-Like Traits in the General Population
Maryam Boutrus1,2,3, Zulqarnain Gilani4,5, Murray T Maybery6
1Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Rd, Subiaco, WA, 6008, Australia. Maryam.Boutrus@telethonkids.org.au.
Abstract:
Atypical facial morphology, particularly increased facial asymmetry, has been identified in some individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Many cognitive, behavioural and biological features associated with ASC also occur on a continuum in the general population. The aim of the present study was to examine subthreshold levels of autistic traits and facial morphology in non-autistic individuals. Facial asymmetry was measured using three-dimensional facial photogrammetry, and the Autism-spectrum Quotient was used to measure autistic-like traits in a community-ascertained sample of young adults (n = 289). After accounting for covariates, there were no significant associations observed between autistic-like traits and facial asymmetry, suggesting that any potential facial morphology differences linked to ASC may be limited to the clinical condition.
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