Cuve, Helio, Murphy, Jennifer, Hobson, Hannah orcid.org/0000-0002-7952-475X et al. (3 more authors) (2022) Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. pp. 2019-2034. ISSN 0162-3257
Abstract
Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate condition. Using factor-analytic and network approaches, we provide evidence that alexithymic and autistic traits are distinct. We argue that: 1) models of socioemotional processing in autism should conceptualise difficulties as intrinsic to alexithymia; and 2) assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalised interventions.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2021 |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Psychology (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 17 May 2021 14:50 |
Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2025 17:53 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05094-6 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s10803-021-05094-6 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:174256 |
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Description: Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor‑Analytic and Network Approach
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