Functional benefits of co-occurring autistic symptoms in schizophrenia is delimited by symptom severity

Impairments in daily functioning characterize both autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Research has shown that a subsample of schizophrenia patients presents autistic symptoms, leading to the hypothesis their co-occurrence would be associated with ‘double dose’ deficit. A growing body research examined this by looking at joint effect positive psychotic yielded contrasting results, ranging from benefits adverse effects. We hypothesized interactive symptoms on might depend patients' symptom severity. In 170 patients, two-step cluster analysis identified two groups different levels Using general linear models, we interactions groups, functioning. Autistic were interactively better functioning, but only symptomatically less severe patients. contrast, independently worse more These associations observed above beyond effects I.Q. illness duration. The findings highlight complex role played co-occurring schizophrenia, whose beneficial appear patients’ psychopathological Our may help reconcile seemingly results previous studies, understand heterogeneity behavior functional outcomes This study underscores potential utility routinely assessing order formulate individualized rehabilitative programs.