Table 1. Demographic characteristics of the sample (mean±s.d. or frequency data, showing results for participants with scans available for the reward anticipation condition).
| Low ASD traits | High ASD traits | |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline | ||
| n | 1402 | 70 |
| Male gender | 657 (46.9%) | 47 (67.1%)** |
| Age in years | 14.4±0.4 | 14.4±0.4 |
| WISC Verbal | 112.0±14.7 | 108.1±15.1* |
| WISC Reasoning | 108.1±13.9 | 108.8±14.4 |
| ASD symptoms (DAWBA) | ||
| Total | 0.3±1.6 | 17.4±5.5*** |
| Social difficulties | 0.2±1.2 | 9.9±4.1*** |
| Repetitive behaviors | 0.1±0.5 | 6.8±3.7*** |
| Language development | 0.1±0.3 | 0.6±0.9*** |
| Continuous psychopathology (SDQ) | ||
| Emotional symptoms | 1.8±1.9 | 3.5±2.9*** |
| Conduct problems | 1.6±1.5 | 2.9±2.2*** |
| Hyperactivity | 2.8±2.2 | 4.5±2.9*** |
| Impact | 0.6±1.3 | 2.2±2.4*** |
| Diagnostic categories | ||
| Any anxiety | 326 (23.3%) | 30 (42.9%)*** |
| Depression | 44 (3.1%) | 10 (14.3%)*** |
| ODD | 483 (34.5%) | 43 (61.4%)*** |
| 2-year follow-up | ||
| n | 1019 | 50 |
| Male gender | 465 (45.7%) | 35 (70.0%)** |
| SDQ | ||
| Emotional symptoms | 1.6±1.9 | 2.9±2.9** |
| Conduct problems | 1.4±1.4 | 2.0±1.9* |
| Hyperactivity | 2.2±2.0 | 3.6±2.5*** |
| Impact | 0.5±1.4 | 1.3±2.1* |
| Diagnostic categories | ||
| Any anxiety | 196 (19.3%) | 17 (34.0%)* |
| Depression | 36 (3.5%) | 6 (12.0%)* |
| ODD | 295 (29.0%) | 23 (46.0%)* |
Abbreviations: ASD, autism spectrum disorder; DAWBA, Development and Well-Being Assessment; ODD, oppositional defiant disorder; SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
*P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 (t-test or chi-square).