Broader Autism Phenotype

Question 1

Wheelwright et al 2010

Answer 1

Traits of Autism are also found in the G.P and in 1st degree relatives. Many people display the BAP which is a mild version of the same symptoms similar to Autism. Also proposed the idea of NAP and MAP- even more of a spectrum. 33% of dad’s and 23% of mum display the BAP. Only had normally developing children in control sample.

Question 2

LeCouter et al 1996

Answer 2

Using 29 MZ and 20 DZ same sex twin pairs they explored language impairments in childhood and social deficits persisting into adulthood. It was found that Autism extends more broadly than as defined by its clinical boundaries. The wide range of clinical manifestations reflects considerable expression of the same genotype. However the combination of clinical, psychological and biological data is likely necessary to really classify clinical boundaries. Issues with age and study, small sample and follow ups.

Question 3

Ruzich et Al 2016

Answer 3

Compared autistic traits in those with ASD, siblings and G.P. indentified 2 sibling frouos- low scoring similar to G.p and high scoring similar to ASD. Demonstrates a continuous scale from ASD through to sibling to G.P. also identified that females were typically high scoring had nearly the same symptoms load of those diagnosed liked to females having a higher symptom load and being under diagnosed. May be gender differences in ASD.