This study investigates the relationship between autistic traits, interoceptive awareness, and sensorimotor cognitive flexibility. Building on the Interoceptive Trait Prediction Error (ITPE) theory...Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between autistic traits, interoceptive awareness, and sensorimotor cognitive flexibility. Building on the Interoceptive Trait Prediction Error (ITPE) theory, it is hypothesized that autistic traits are predictive of cognitive flexibility in a negative direction, while interoceptive awareness is predictive of cognitive flexibility in a positive direction. Interoceptive awareness was measured with the eight subscales of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Version 2 (Noticing, Not Distracting, Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, and Trust), and autistic traits were measured with the short version of the Autism Quotient (AQ-10). Sensorimotor cognitive flexibility was measured with a virtual reality game task. With the data of 80 participants, a multiple linear regression was performed. Emotional awareness significantly and positively predicted cognitive flexibility, which can be explained through the lens of emotion regulation. Autistic traits significantly predicted cognitive flexibility in a negative direction. However, the regression model in which these predictors existed was insignificant, leading to overall inconclusive results. Future replication based on our limitations is encouraged, and the necessity of similar research is underlined in light of autistic trait networks.Show less
Attention can be divided into stability versus flexibility. Switching between these two is needed for adaptive behavior. It requires blocking distractions from our current goals (stability), and...Show moreAttention can be divided into stability versus flexibility. Switching between these two is needed for adaptive behavior. It requires blocking distractions from our current goals (stability), and simultaneously switching between alternating demands of our environment (flexibility). People with autism are generally less flexible and therefore more stable in attention. (Cognitive) flexibility is an important predictor of the quality of life for people with autism. To add, most people with autism have trouble with social skills, though some research in non-clinical populations show a relationship between social skills and quality of life. Interventions for improving cognitive flexibility in people with autism mainly focus on improving social skills. Yet, there is little evidence for this relationship, especially in people with autism. Therefore, the hypothesis in this study was: “There is a positive relationship between social skills and cognitive flexibility. This relationship may be different across levels of autism traits”. The outcome will help to find out if social skills are indeed predictors of flexibility and stability in attention and thus, if interventions for improving cognitive flexibility in people with autism should focus on social problems. The participants in this study (N=101) responded to an autism questionnaire (which measures social problems and autism traits) and participated in a task switch experiment (to calculate the switch-cost). Results of the ANOVA show a non-significant relationship between social problems and switch-cost (F (1,90) = 3.569, p=0.062) (in reaction time). When looking at switch-cost on error rates however, there is a significant relationship between social problems and switch-cost (F (1,90) = 5.018, p = 0.028). People with lower social skills have a lower error rate than people with high social problems. The relationship between social problems and cognitive flexibility does not differ between levels of autism. The hypothesis is rejected. The results show a speed-accuracy tradeoff (longer reaction time means higher accuracy). This study shows that there is limited evidence on the relationship between social problems and cognitive flexibility in people who score high versus low on traits of autism. More research is needed into this topic to find out if this relationship is found in a larger population and in a clinical population. For now, interventions targeted at social problems alone do not seem to be sufficient for people with autism to improve their cognitive flexibility. This may ultimately help to establish more appropriate interventions.Show less