Testing the social motivation theory of autism: the role of co-occurring anxiety.

Eloise BaggHannah PickardManting TanTim J SmithEmily SimonoffAndrew PicklesVirginia Carter Leno Rachael Bedford

Published in: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines (2023)

The association between social motivation and autistic traits could be partially attributed to co-occurring anxiety. Sex-specific effects found in females may be due to environmental factors such as increased social demands in adolescent female relationships. Results are consistent with self-report by autistic individuals who do not identify as having reduced social motivation.

Keyphrases

mental health
healthcare
young adults
autism spectrum disorder
sleep quality
gene expression
physical activity
genome wide
depressive symptoms