Are Autistic and Alexithymic Traits Distinct? A Factor-Analytic and Network Approach

Despite the heterogeneity in autism, socioemotional difficulties are often framed as universal. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that socioemotional difficulties may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. If, as some propose, autistic traits are responsible for socioemotional impairments, then alexithymia may itself be a symptom of autism. We aimed to determine whether alexithymia should be considered a product of autism or regarded as a separate condition. Using factor-analytic and network approaches, we provide evidence that alexithymic and autistic traits are distinct. We argue that: (1) models of socioemotional processing in autism should conceptualise difficulties as intrinsic to alexithymia; and (2) assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalised interventions.

Automated summary

Although socioemotional difficulties are often considered universal in autism, increasing evidence suggests that they may be explained by alexithymia, a distinct yet frequently co-occurring condition. Through factor-analytic and network approaches, it has been shown that alexithymic traits and autistic traits are distinct. Assessment of alexithymia is crucial for diagnosis and personalized interventions in autism.