Pattern glare sensitivity distinguishes subclinical autism and schizotypy

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders sharing clinically relevant behaviours. However, early sensory responses show divergent responses. Individuals with schizophrenia typically exhibit cortical hypo-excitability whereas individuals with autism show cortical hyperexcitability. Identifying reliable neurobiological differences between the disorders can diminish misdiagnosis and optimise treatments.

Methods

The pattern glare test (PGT) is a simple measure of behavioural 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). 576 undergraduate students completed an online survey consisting of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised, the Autism Spectrum Quotient, and the PGT.

Results

Subclinical autism and schizotypy traits were highly positively correlated. However, only schizotypy scores were significantly predictive of reporting more pattern glare (PG) illusions. When assessing the subcomponents of the schizotypy and autism scores, positive and disorganised schizotypy traits were predictive of reporting more PG illusions. Whereas, subclinical autism factors were not predictive of PG illusions.

Conclusions

High schizotypy performed the PGT in a manner consistent with behavioural hyperexcitability. The PGT distinguished subclinical autistic traits from schizotypy, suggesting potential clinical application.

KEYWORDS:

• Schizotypy
• autism
• pattern glare test
• hyperexcitability
• hypo-excitability
• hyper-attention

Acknowledgments

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of any funding agency.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data and materials that were used in this study are available at the Open Science Foundation (https://osf.io/6fc37/?view_only = d8244b42f22f475fbdfcbdb6a82854cc).

Additional information

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by NIMH R15MH122935 to SMH and MEB as well as two additional Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research to WAT (MH122935-01S2) and JNP (MH122935-01S1).