Sonntag, 25. Dezember 2022

A cybernetic theory of autism: Autism as a consequence of low trait Plasticity

A cybernetic theory of autism: Autism as a consequence of low trait Plasticity
Matthew A. Rogers, Jed T. Elison, Scott D. Blain, Colin G. DeYoung (Dec 2022)


Abstract

According to Cybernetic Big Five Theory (CB5T), personality traits reflect variation in the parameters of evolved cybernetic mechanisms, and extreme manifestations of these traits correspond to a risk for psychopathology because they threaten the organism's ability to pursue its goals effectively. Our theory of autism as a consequence of low Plasticity extends CB5T to provide a cybernetic account of the origin of autistic traits. The theory argues that, because all psychological competencies are initially developed through exploration, typical development requires sensitivity to the incentive reward value of the unknown (i.e., the unpredicted). According to CB5T, motivation to explore the unknown is the core function underlying the metatrait Plasticity, the shared variance of Extraversion and Openness/Intellect. This theory makes predictions regarding the downstream developmental consequences of early low Plasticity, and each prediction maps well onto autistic symptomatology. This approach may help to explain the heterogeneity of autism, as there are many ways that rigidity can reinforce itself to create a developmental trap influencing the development of competencies. We end by presenting preliminary meta-analytic and new data showing a strong negative relation between Plasticity and autistic symptomatology.

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