Comparison of children with autism spectrum disorder with and without schizophrenia spectrum traits: gender, season of birth, and mental health risk factors.
Among autistic students, those who also show schizophrenia spectrum traits carry the highest mental-health risk.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team compared two groups of school-age children with autism. One group also showed schizophrenia spectrum traits. The other group did not.
Parents and teachers filled out surveys about each child’s mental health. The study also looked at gender and season of birth.
What they found
Kids with autism plus schizophrenia traits had tougher mental-health profiles. They showed more severe anxiety, mood, and behavior problems.
These children were more likely to be boys and to be born in winter months. The mix of traits pointed to extra risk factors beyond autism alone.
How this fits with other research
Lugo Marín et al. (2018) later pooled ten adult studies. They found about 6% of average-IQ adults with autism also have schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Lerner et al. (2012) echoes that link, but in children.
Ratcliffe et al. (2015) showed poor social skills predict mental-health trouble in autistic students. D et al. add a new marker: schizophrenia traits. Together they tell us to look past core autism symptoms when sizing up risk.
Cullinan et al. (2001) first flagged high anxiety in high-functioning autistic kids. D et al. extend that line by showing a specific subgroup—those with schizophrenia traits—carries the heaviest load.
Why it matters
If you assess school-age clients with autism, screen for odd beliefs, paranoia, or disorganized speech. These traits signal a sharper psychiatric edge. Share the finding with parents and refer for fuller evaluation when present. Tailor treatment plans to address both autism and the added symptoms.
Want CEUs on This Topic?
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.
Join Free →Add two parent questions to your intake: 'Does your child seem to hear things others don’t?' and 'Does your child think people are watching or plotting against them?' If yes, note for further screening.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without co-occurring schizophrenia spectrum traits (SST) were examined for differences in co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, background characteristics, and mental health risk factors. Participating mothers and teachers completed a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale and a background questionnaire (mothers only) describing 147 children (6-12 years) with ASD. There was a clear pattern of group differences in co-occurring psychiatric symptom severity (+SST > SST-) and background characteristics. Children with impairing SST had more mental health risk factors. Girls were more likely to be classified SST according to mothers' ratings. Children born in spring-summer were more likely to be classified non-SST by teachers' ratings. Findings provide tentative evidence that SST may be a useful marker of behavioral heterogeneity within the ASD clinical phenotype.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2012 · doi:10.1007/s10803-012-1473-4