Relationship between Autistic Traits and Cognitive-Stylistic Features

This article investigates the specifics of cognitive sphere functioning in individuals with pronounced autistic tendencies through the prism of the cognitive-style approach, which provides a more holistic view on the problem of cognitive activity organization in autism spectrum disorders than identified deficits consideration only. The results of the empirical study indicate the presence of direct links between the severity of various aspects of autistic manifestations and such poles of cognitive styles as field independence, cognitive control rigidity, reflexivity, concrete conceptualization and a narrow range of equivalence; questions about the relationship of autistic tendencies with tolerance for unrealistic experiences and belonging to either analyticity or holism pole require further clarification. Overall, the findings are consistent with the weak central coherence theory, suggesting that a fragmented cognitive “field” is inherent in individuals with pronounced autistic traits, accompanied by high rigidity, dichotomous thinking, a tendency to construct concrete mental representations, and context independence.