Pattern glare sensitivity distinguishes subclinical autism and schizotypy

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Torrens, Wendy Alfonso

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2023

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Thesis

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autism , hyper-attention , hyperexcitability , hypo-excitability , pattern glare test , schizotypy

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Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders sharing clinically relevant behaviors. However, early sensory responses show divergent responses. Individuals with schizophrenia typically exhibit cortical hypo-excitability whereas autistic individuals show cortical hyperexcitability. Identifying reliable neurobiological differences between the disorders can diminish misdiagnosis and optimize treatments. The pattern glare test (PGT) is a simple measure of behavioral hyperexcitability. It measures the number of illusions seen in a static horizontal grating. We collected PGT data from non-clinical adults varying in traits of autism and schizophrenia (schizotypy). 663 undergraduate students completed an online survey consisting of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire �" Brief Revised, the Autism Spectrum Quotient, and the PGT. Subclinical autism and schizotypy traits were highly positively correlated. However, only schizotypy scores were significantly predictive of reporting more PG illusions. When assessing the subcomponents of the schizotypy and autism quotient scores, positive and disorganized schizotypy traits were predictive of reporting more PG illusions. Whereas, only the attention switching factor of the autism quotient significantly predicted reports of more PG illusions. Attentional factors in both subclinical conditions predict behavioral hyperexcitability. The PGT distinguished subclinical autistic traits from schizotypy, suggesting potential for clinical settings.

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