For a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, specific social, verbal, nonverbal, relational, behavioral, and sensorial criteria must be met. However, with the BAP, traitsFIEP may be seen from a few, or all categories, on a milder scale.
This article explains the broad autism phenotype and the traits associated with it. It also discusses how the BAP is diagnosed, and the differences between these traits and autism spectrum disorder.
What Are Broader Autism Phenotype Characteristics?
Individuals with the BAP traits have symptoms of autism, just on a milder scale. These traits typically do not greatly interfere with an individual’s quality of life and are not enough to trigger a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Keep in mind that characteristics of the BAP and symptoms of autism can appear within the first year of a child’s life.
Broad autism phenotype symptoms and traits may include:
Difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communicationDelayed language development during childhoodRigid tendencies, like the need for routineAloofnessOver or under-responsiveness to sensory inputFixating on specific interests
The BAP is not an official diagnosis. Instead, it describes a cluster of traits. These traits can show up differently in each unique individual.
Unlike a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder where specific criteria must be met, the BAP has much more wiggle room in terms of how it manifests.
How Is the Broad Autism Phenotype Diagnosed?
To better understand if you have the BAP, your healthcare provider or mental health clinician may ask you to take tests like the Social Responsiveness Scale or the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire.
You may answer the test alone, or fill it out with the help of your healthcare provider or mental health clinician. People using the questionnaire are asked to rank themselves on a scale of 1-5 on such statements as:
I like being around other people. I find it hard to get my words out smoothly. I am comfortable with unexpected changes in plans. I would rather talk to people to get information than to socialize.
Unfortunately, the results of these evaluative questionnaires can vary radically. Because the BAP isn’t an official diagnosis, it can be difficult to know if you have it. Working with a healthcare provider or mental health clinician who you know and trust can help give you insight into the traits or symptoms you’re experiencing.
Can You Be Diagnosed With Autism If You Have the BAP?
Signs of autism can show up within the first year of a child’s life. With that said, an individual may exhibit traits of the BAP, and later on, when the challenges of school or work come up, be later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
But, it’s also important to keep in mind that many people have traits of the BAP and will not go on to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Is the BAP Genetic?
Studies have shown a very strong genetic, or hereditary, component with the BAP. Specifically, studies show that:
Individuals related to someone with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than the general public to exhibit signs or traits of autism or the BAP. Parents who have traits of the BAP are more likely than parents who don’t to have multiple children with autism spectrum disorder. Families with more than one child with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than families with one child with autism spectrum disorder to have relatives with the BAP.
Summary
The BAP describes a range of traits that resemble autism spectrum disorder, but aren’t enough to trigger an official diagnosis.
You may find out that you have the BAP by speaking with a mental health clinician or your healthcare provider. They may have you take a specific questionnaire to provide further insight.
A Word From Verywell
If you think that you or a loved one may have the broad autism phenotype or undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder, you may want to consider seeing your healthcare provider or a mental health clinician for further evaluation.
By understanding the broad autism phenotype you also may be more aware of potential signs of autism spectrum disorder. This insight can help you or a loved one get support as soon as possible.
