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

Researchers studied personality traits in 387 people and found that autistic traits are strongly linked to being less open to new experiences and less outgoing. Their theory suggests that autism might stem from having less interest in exploring unknown or unpredictable situations. This reduced exploration during development could explain many autism characteristics. The study found a very strong connection between autism traits and this 'low plasticity' personality pattern.

This study proposes a cybernetic theory linking autism to low 'Plasticity' - a personality metatrait combining extraversion and openness to experience. The theory suggests that typical development requires sensitivity to reward value of unknown experiences, which drives exploration and skill development. In a survey of 387 participants using the Autism Quotient scale and personality measures, researchers found a strong negative correlation (β = -.64) between autism traits and Plasticity. The findings support the hypothesis that autism may result from reduced motivation to explore novel or unpredictable experiences, which could explain core autistic characteristics through a cybernetic framework of goal-pursuit mechanisms.

Findings suggest interventions targeting exploration motivation and novel experience exposure might benefit autistic individuals. Understanding autism through personality frameworks could inform personalized approaches. However, the theoretical nature and correlational design mean clinical applications require further research and validation before implementation.

This is a correlational survey study that cannot establish causation. The sample characteristics are not described, limiting generalizability. The study relies on self-report measures and the Autism Quotient scale rather than clinical diagnosis. The cybernetic theory, while novel, requires further empirical validation.

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. We surveyed 387 people. Measures included the Autism Quotient (AQ) scale and International Personality Item Pool items that are indicators of Plasticity and Stability. The association between AQ and Plasticity was β = -.64.

A strong negative correlation between Plasticity and AQ suggests ASD may be closely linked to a low sensitivity to the incentive reward value of the unknown.