The bouba-kiki effect and its relation to the Autism Quotient (AQ) in autistic adolescents

Abstract

The bouba-kiki effect refers to the correspondence between arbitrary visual and auditory stimuli. Previous studies indicate ASD persons' reduced bouba-kiki effect compared to controls. This study examines the relation between ASD symptomology and performance on the bouba-kiki task. Twenty ASD participants and 20 matched controls were presented the bouba-kiki task. Autism-Quotient (AQ) scores and several cognitive measures were obtained for all participants. Results demonstrate that among all measures, only AQ scores were significantly correlated to the performance on the bouba-kiki task in the ASD group. Results thus support the existence of a relation between autism symptoms and performance on the bouba-kiki task, and are discussed in light of current theories.

Keywords: Autism; Autism-Quotient; Bouba-kiki task; Sensory integration.