Assessing the relationship between absolute pitch and autistic traits using a novel continuous slider scale

Evidence regarding the link between absolute pitch (AP) and autistic traits is currently inconclusive. Previous subclinical measurements of autistic traits using discrete response options may mask subtle variations, contributing to discrepancies between studies. This study employs a novel slider for continuous measurements to reveal AP-related subtle variations along autistic traits that discrete scales might overlook.

We contrasted autistic traits measured using a novel continuous slider with those measured using a traditional discrete scale in a larger sample (N = 120) than previous similar studies, with musicians and non-musicians stratified into high, medium, and low-AP proficiency groups. Data were collected between July 2023 and April 2024. Participants indicated their agreement/disagreement on the Autism spectrum Quotient (AQ) either (i) discretely by selecting from four fixed choices or (ii) continuously by adjusting a visual slider along a 0 to 100% continuum. Additionally, cognitive tasks associated with AP ability, including pitch adjustment, musical proficiency, and relative pitch ability, were assessed.

A significant correlation between conventionally measured autistic traits and slider adjustments validated the slider's efficacy. A higher autistic score in AP musicians was revealed across social/communication domains using continuous relative to discrete scales. Notably, continuous measurement identified a heightened autistic trait in the AQ subscale imagination in AP musicians that was not found in discrete measures. Among all cognitive abilities assessed in AP musicians, only pitch-related skills predicted autistic traits, suggesting similarly enhanced pitch functions.

These findings support the hypothesized link between AP and autistic traits, highlighting the need for further validation of continuous measurement scales to better understand the co-occurrence of specific human traits.