Relationship between autistic traits and social functioning in healthy individuals

AIM: Social functioning is influenced by various factors. Autistic traits could be one of the factors that affect social functioning. METHODS: In the present study, the relationship between autistic traits and social functioning among 755 healthy individuals was analyzed. Autistic traits were assessed with the autism‐spectrum quotient. Social functioning was assessed by the social functioning scale and the social activity assessment. RESULTS: The Autism‐Spectrum Quotient total score was significantly negatively correlated with the social functioning scale total and all subscales of the social functioning scale. All subscales of the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient except attention to detail were significantly negatively correlated with the social functioning scale total score. However, the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient was not correlated with the social activity assessment, which indicates labor functioning. CONCLUSION: Autistic traits of healthy individuals had a negative impact on situations in real life through social functioning for daily life‐sustaining. The effect was not enough to affect labor functioning as indicated by working hours in healthy individuals. These findings should also be examined in individuals with autism spectrum disorder in future studies.