Art Therapy and Alexithymia

Alexithymia and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Complex Relationship

Alexithymia is a personality construct characterized by altered emotional awareness which has been gaining diagnostic prevalence in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, with notably high rates of overlap with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the nature of its role in ASD symptomatology remains elusive. Here, we distill research at the intersection of alexithymia and ASD. After a brief synopsis of the studies that plaid a pioneering role in the identification of the overlapping fields between alexithymia and ASD, we comb the literature for evidence of its overlap with ASD in terms of prevalence, etiology, and behaviors. Through a formalized framework of the process of emotional interpretation and expression, we explore evidence for where and how deficits arise in this complex network of events. We portray how these relate to the dynamic interplay between alexithymic and autistic traits and find emerging evidence that alexithymia is both a cause and consequence of autistic behaviors. We end with a strategic proposal for future research and interventions to dampen the impacts of alexithymia in ASD.

Understanding alexithymia and language skills in children: implications for assessment and intervention

PURPOSE

This article reviews the construct of alexithymia and its relationship to language impairment.

METHOD

The article includes a review of the literature on emotional competence, trauma effects, alexithymia, and language impairment; summarizes tools to assess alexithymia; and provides an intervention framework.

IMPLICATIONS

Understanding the relationship of emotional competence and language impairment may provide a new perspective for speech-language pathologists who are serving children with language and socioemotional impairments.