Personality and language characteristics in parents from multiple‐incidence autism families

Abstract

Several studies have suggested that the genetic liability for autism may be expressed in non-autistic relatives of autistic probands, in behavioral characteristics that are milder but qualitatively similar to the defining features of autism. We employ a variety of direct assessment approaches to examine both personality and language in parents ascertained through having two autistic children (multiple-incidence autism parents) and parents of Down syndrome probands. Multiple-incidence autism parents had higher rates of particular personality characteristics (rigidity, aloofness, hypersensitivity to criticism, and anxiousness), speech and pragmatic language deficits, and more limited friendships than parents in the comparison group. The implications of these findings for future genetic studies of autism are discussed.

A Comparison of Pragmatic Language in Boys With Autism and Fragile X Syndrome

“…When narrating, individuals with ASD fail to provide causal explanations to describe actions, experiences, and emotions (Capps, Losh, & Thurber, 2000; Diehl et al., 2006; Losh & Capps, 2003; Tager-Flusberg, 1995) and have difficulty adopting the perspectives of others (García-Pérez, Hobson, & Lee, 2008). Because subclinical pragmatic difficulties are also seen in relatives of individuals with ASD as part of the broad autism phenotype, pragmatic impairment is hypothesized to represent a genetically meaningful trait marking vulnerability to ASD (Landa et al, 1992; Losh, Childress, Lam, & Piven, 2008; Piven, Palmer, Landa, Santangelo, & Childress, 1997). …”

Sex differences and within-family associations in the broad autism phenotype

“…The broad autism phenotype (BAP) refers to heritable, subclinical traits that are often seen among unaffected relatives of individuals with autism (Bolton et al, 1994, Losh et al, 2008, Piven et al, 1997b, Piven et al, 1997a, Szatmari et al, 2000). The features of the BAP are qualitatively similar to the core communication, social, and restricted/repetitive domains of the autism triad.…”

Relationship between temperament, character and the autistic trait in parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder

“…Beyond these, it has been shown that distinct personality domains exist in ASD parents (Austin 2005Bolton et al 1994Micali et al 2004;Murphy et al 2000;Pickles et al 2000;Piven et al 1997). Th us, such personality features may be inherited as autistic phenotypes.…”

“…Th e broad autism phenotype (BAP) refers to heritable, subclinical traits that are oft en seen among unaff ected relatives of individuals with autism (Bolton et al 1994;Losh et al 2008;Piven et al 1997;Szatmari et al 2000). Th e features of the BAP are qualitatively similar to the core communication, social, and restricted/repetitive domains of the autism triad.…”

“…Th e features of the BAP are qualitatively similar to the core communication, social, and restricted/repetitive domains of the autism triad. Studies have reported higher social, communication, and language diffi culties, and characteristics such as being aloof, tactless, undemonstrative, hypersensitive, anxious, impulsive, shy, irritable, eccentric, and rigid in relatives (Bolton et al 1994;Losh et al 2008;Murphy et al 2000;Piven et al 1997).…”