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

Abstract

While there is a strong sex bias in the presentation of autism, it is unknown whether this bias is also present in subclinical manifestations of autism among relatives, or the broad autism phenotype (BAP). This study examined this question, and investigated patterns of co-occurrence of BAP traits within families of individuals with autism. Pragmatic language and personality features of the BAP were studied in 42 fathers and 50 mothers of individuals with autism using direct assessment tools used in prior family studies of the BAP. Higher rates of aloof personality style were detected among fathers, while no sex differences were detected for other BAP traits. Within individuals, pragmatic language features were associated with the social personality styles of the BAP in mothers but not fathers. A number of BAP features were correlated within spousal pairs. Finally, associations were detected between paternal BAP characteristics and the severity of children’s autism symptoms in all three domains (social, communication, and repetitive behaviors). Mother-child correlations were detected for aspects of communication only. Together, findings suggest that most features of the BAP express comparably in males and females, and raise some specific questions about how such features might inform studies of the genetic basis of autism.

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and anxiety: shared familial transmission and cross‐assortative mating

“…This study examined shared familial transmission and cross‐assortative mating of ASD and anxiety symptoms as possible explanations for the frequent co‐occurrence of ASD and anxiety. In line with the literature regarding familial transmission of ASD symptoms (Constantino & Todd, ; De la Marche et al., ; Klusek et al., ; Lyall et al., ; Maxwell et al., ) and anxiety symptoms (Beidel & Turner, ; Last et al., ), we found that parental ASD and anxiety symptoms predicted similar symptoms in children, although results differed depending on the informant type. No clear parent‐of‐origin effects were found in the transmission of symptoms from parents to children.…”

“…Statistically significant coefficients are presented in bold. Klusek et al, 2014;Lyall et al, 2014;Maxwell et al, 2013) and anxiety symptoms (Beidel & Turner, 1997;Last et al, 1991), we found that parental ASD and anxiety symptoms predicted similar symptoms in children, although results differed depending on the informant type. No clear parent-oforigin effects were found in the transmission of symptoms from parents to children.…”

“…Research has demonstrated that symptoms of ASD (Constantino & Todd, 2005;De la Marche et al, 2015;Klusek, Losh, & Martin, 2014;Lyall et al, 2014;Maxwell, Parish-Morris, Hsin, Bush, & Schultz, 2013) and anxiety (Beidel & Turner, 1997;Last, Hersen, Kazdin, Orvaschel, & Perrin, 1991) are transmitted within families without consideration of co-occurring symptoms. In addition, parental anxiety symptoms have been related to co-occurring anxiety symptoms in children with ASD (Conner, Maddox, & White, 2013;Park, Park, Kim, & Yoo, 2013).…”

Physiological Arousal in Autism and Fragile X Syndrome: Group Comparisons and Links With Pragmatic Language

“…Atypical pragmatic features such as echolalia, perseveration, and bizarre word choice are seen at increased rates in ASD (Ghaziuddin & Leonore, 1996; Ross, 2002; Schuler & Prizant, 1985), and narrative (storytelling) skills are impaired as well (Capps, Losh, & Thurber, 2000; Diehl, Bennetto, & Young, 2006; Losh & Capps, 2003; Loveland, McEvoy, & Tunali, 1990; Tager-Flusberg, 1995). Differences in pragmatic language use are thought to be a genetically meaningful feature of ASD, given that subclinical pragmatic differences present at increased rates among unaffected relatives of individuals with ASD (Landa et al, 1992; Losh, Childress, Lam, & Piven, 2008) and show patterns suggestive of intrafamilial transmission (Klusek, Losh, & Martin, 2012). …”

Dyadic interactions in children exhibiting the broader autism phenotype: Is the broader autism phenotype distinguishable from typical development?

“…It is important to note that elements of the BAP may be present in any family-they are not restricted to families raising children with ASD. Several studies have addressed the BAP within general populations [e.g., Klusek, Losh, & Martin, 2014;Swanson, Serlin, & Siller, 2013]. Given our sampling constraints (data utilized from an existing infant sibling study), addressing the BAP in first-born children or more general populations (e.g., as discussed in Landry & Chouinard, 2016) was beyond the scope of the current study.…”