Variables predicting the association between autistic traits and externalizing symptoms among young adults

Purpose>Considering the high comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with externalizing disorders and that ASD is considered as a continuum, which implies the identification of it features in the whole population, the purpose of this paper is to know the characteristics of the association o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAdvances in Autism Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 178 - 189
Main Authors Álvarez-Couto, María, García-Villamisar, Domingo, Sáez-Suanes, Gema P, Roquete, María d'Orey
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 16.02.2022
Subjects
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Autism
Comorbidity
Emotions
Executive function
Humanities
Memory
Population
Psychopathology
Questionnaires
Social sciences
Students
Young adults
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Summary:Purpose>Considering the high comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with externalizing disorders and that ASD is considered as a continuum, which implies the identification of it features in the whole population, the purpose of this paper is to know the characteristics of the association of externalizing symptoms in the population with ASD traits.Design/methodology/approach>One hundred and seventeen postsecondary students participated in the study, providing responses to a battery of self-reported tests.Findings>The existence of a significant association between ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0.519; p < 0.01) was proved. Regression analyses showed that problems in executive functioning, working memory deficits and difficulties in the use of emotion regulation strategies predicted the presence of ADHD traits (F = 36.757, R2 = 62.3%, p < 0. 01) and impulsivity behavior (F = 18.249, R2 = 45.1%, p < 0.01).Research limitations/implications>Externalizing symptomatology in people with higher ASD traits is extended to the general population. Future research should study other problematic behaviors, such as aggression or self-harm, to continue generating appropriate interventions.Originality/value>The results reported reinforce the study of ASD as a dimensional disorder, in line with the latest advances in the classification of psychopathology. Considering which variables are behind the problematic behaviors allows interventions to be focused on these factors, contributing to their reduction and to the improvement of professional practices.
ISSN:2056-3868
DOI:10.1108/AIA-06-2020-0036