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Autism spectrum quotient (AQ) profiles among male patients within high security psychiatric care: comparison with personality and cognitive functioning

The autism spectrum quotient (AQ) is a screening tool used to assess self-reported autistic traits. However, the available comparative data are based on non-forensic samples, with little examination of the relationship with other aspects of personality or cognitive functioning. An examination of the AQ among a high secure psychiatric sample of patients with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), a mental illness and a personality disorder is described. Analysis revealed that whilst the AQ can discriminate ASD patients, the social skills, communication and attention switching subscales are most sensitive. A regression analysis revealed that 45% of the variance in the AQ total score can be predicted by the Millon self-report personality measure. No significant relationships were present between the AQ, full-scale IQ, a mentalisation task and measures of executive functioning. The use of the AQ among forensic psychiatric patients is discussed along with a need for an AQ forensic version.