What conclusion did Baron-Cohen reach about AS/HFA adults compared to the general population?

Baron-Cohen's research suggests that adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or High-Functioning Autism (HFA) often score significantly higher on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) test compared to the general population. The AQ is designed to measure the presence of autistic traits in individuals, reflecting patterns of thinking and behavior typically associated with autism.

In studies conducted by Baron-Cohen, findings indicated that these individuals exhibited a strong tendency to demonstrate traits routinely linked to autism, particularly in non-social cognitive areas, such as attention to detail and systematic thinking. This increased scoring on the AQ highlights the distinct cognitive profiles of adults with AS/HFA, emphasizing their unique neurological processing compared to neurotypical individuals. Thus, the conclusion that they score significantly higher on the AQ test aligns with Baron-Cohen's findings, showcasing the divergence in their cognitive and social capabilities relative to typical developmental expectations.