Temporal changes in effect sizes of studies comparing individuals with and without autism: a meta-analysis

Eya-Mist Rodgaard, Kristian Jensen, Jean-Noël Vergnes, Isabelle Soulières et Laurent Mottron

JAMA Psychiatry. Published online August 21, 2019. http://doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.1956

Abstract  – The definition and nature of autism have been highly debated, as exemplified by several revisions of the DSM (DSM-III, DSM-IIIR, DSM-IV, and DSM-5) criteria. There has recently been a move from a categorical view toward a spectrum-based view. These changes have been accompanied by a steady increase in the prevalence of the condition. Changes in the definition of autism that may increase heterogeneity could affect the results of autism research; specifically, a broadening of the population with autism could result in decreasing effect sizes of group comparison studies.