The role of alexithymia factors in adults with autism spectrum disorder: An explorative study

Relationships between Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and alexithymia have been the subject of an amount of studies over the last 20 years, and numerous empirical evidences showed that alexithymia has a substantial prevalence (up to 50%) in ASD subjects. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the role of the alexithymic component on autistic functioning in adults with ASD. 72 subjects (mean age = 28.3 ± 10.1) with IQ > 80 compiled the Ritvo Autism and Asperger's Diagnostic Scale-Revised, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results showed significant differences between subject with high, borderline and low levels of alexithymia, suggesting that alexithymia: (1) does not seem to be pathognomonic of ASD; (2) is associated with a higher severity of some autistic symptoms; (3) is linked to specific ASD dimensions and does not overlap with all autistic dysfunctional areas. A careful evaluation of alexithymia in ASD may represent a potential marker of a worse outcome of the autistic condition.