Correlation Between Traits Found On The Autistic Spectrum...

Examining the Correlation between Traits Found on the Autistic Spectrum and Mathematical Ability Abstract Using 158 psychology undergraduates and accessing their scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and correlating them with an original mathematics test to further research the idea of a link between mathematical ability and position on the Autistic Spectrum. The results of our test do not support the idea of a link between mathematical ability and individuals score on the AQ. Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that can affect a person’s social relationships, interest, communication and behaviour. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a diagnosis given when the criteria for autism is met but there was no delay in language†¦show more content†¦Group 2 was 174 randomly selected participants, Group 3 was 840 Cambridge undergraduates and Group 4 was 16 UK Mathematics Olympiad winners. The study found that 80% of the AS/HFA participants scored over 32 on the AQ and whereas only 2% of the control scored over 32. Which indicates that the AQ while not diagnostic is an adequate measure of autistic traits and the results produced should have validity. The study also found that while the control did not differ greatly from the students, the degree type of the students had a significant effect on the outcome. Mathematics and science students scored significantly higher than those doing social sciences or humanities and mathematics was the highest among the results. This, it has been suggested, indicates a relationship between Autistic traits and mathematical ability. Similarly the Olympiad winners in the study also scored significantly higher than the controls. The idea of a link between mathematical ability and its link to Autistic traits could be attributed to empathizing systemizing theory (E-S) which has been linked with extreme male brain theory of autism (Baron-Cohen, 2010; Baron-Cohen, 2002). E-S is a theory stating that empathy - the ability to understand and sympathise with others - is underdeveloped in those on the Autistic Spectrum while their ability to systemize - control, analysis of observed systems and there rules - is in line with or exceeds that of the general