Interpersonal Distance Theory of Autism and Its Implication for Cognitive Assessment, Therapy, and Daily Life

Abstract

The interpersonal distance (IPD) theory provides a novel approach to studying autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this article, we present recent findings on the neurobiological underpinnings of IPD regulation that are distinct in individuals with ASD. We also discuss the potential influence of environmental factors on IPD. We suggest that different IPD regulation may have implications for cognitive performance in experimental and diagnostic settings, may influence the effectiveness of training and therapy, and may play a role in the typical forms of social communication and leisure activities chosen by autistic individuals. We argue that reconsidering the results of ASD research through the lens of IPD would lead to a different interpretation of previous findings. Finally, we propose a methodological approach to study this phenomenon systematically.

Development of the Meanness in Psychopathy – Self Report: Factor Structure, Criterion-Related Validity, and Incremental Validity

“…One possibility is that Coldness's profound deficits in interpersonal agency and communion may create problems in processing and incorporating the dominant culture's social norms, leading to peculiar behavior that others misperceive. To the extent that Coldness represents a specific deficit in social efficacy, it may represent a phenotype like autism spectrum disorder, in which people tend to yield to others rather than pursue agentic goals (Locke & Mitchell, 2016) and prefer higher levels of interpersonal distance (Farkas et al, 2023). If so, people high in Coldness would relate meaningfully to each other, similar to the way individuals with autism spectrum disorder interact better with each other than individuals with neurotypical development (Morrison et al, 2020).…”