Autistic Traits in the General Population

J.N Constantino M.D., and R.D. Todd, PhD, MD, Archives of General Psychiatry, May 2003, 60, 524 - 530.

These data indicate that the social deficits characteristic of autistic spectrum disorders are common. Given the continuous distribution of these traits, it may be arbitrary where cut-offs are made between research designations "affected" vs "unaffected" with a pervasive developmental disorder. The genes influencing autistic traits appear to be the same for boys and girls. Lower prevalence (and severity) of autistic traits in girls maybe the result of increased sensitivity to early environmental influences that operate to promote social competency.