Broader Autism Phenotype in Parents of Autistic Children: Reality or Myth?

Abstract

The finding that relatives of individuals with autism show mild autistic traits is referred to as the broader autism phenotype (BAP). In the current study, 25 parents with a child with high-functioning autism and 25 parents with typically developed children were compared on: (1) the Block Design Test, (2) the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and (3) a reaction time task to examine reflexive covert visual orienting to social (eyes) and non-social (arrows) cues. The parent groups were scored similar on the Block Design Test and the AQ. However, fathers with an autistic child demonstrated a different reaction time pattern and responded slower on the social cues than control fathers. These results partly support and further elaborate on the BAP in parents with an autistic child.

Autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy

“…However, these parents may not be naïve to the characteristics being sought for, and may have been informed about autistic traits during the diagnostic procedure of their child. Scheeren and Stauder (2008) examined whether the BAP was myth or reality, however the parents of children with ASD showed no more autistic traits on the AQ than control parents in their study. Differences were found in empirical measures demonstrating slower reaction time, particularly on the eye gaze task.…”

“…It is generally accepted that the BAP found in relatives of those with ASD is strong evidence for ASD as a trait condition (Scheeren & Stauder, 2008). These autistic traits are found in the general population as a continuum in which the boundaries are unclear.…”

Event Related Potentials in the Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Analytical Review

“…Recently, the search for endophenotypes has led to the definition of the "Broader Autism Phenotype," in which certain impairments in joint attention, language, and social interaction have been isolated in "typical" family members of children with autism (Bailey and Parr 2003;Bishop et al 2006;Bolte et al 2007;Bolte and Poustka 2006;Dawson et al 2002aDawson et al , b, 2007Ruser et al 2007;Scheeren and Stauder 2007;Stone et al 2007;Sullivan et al 2007;Sung et al 2005). In one representative study, Dawson's group performed a study of face processing using ERPs in parents of children with autism and found, behaviorally and electrophysiologically, that parents of children with autism did not show the expected preference for faces over objects.…”

Expressed Emotion and Alexithymia in Mothers of Autistic Children

“…In contrast, some studies do not support the impact of having autistic children in parents' adaptation (Montes & Halterman, 2007). Despite the widespread interest in studying the autism phenotype, there is now no consensus on its definition (Scheeren & Stauder, 2008).…”