Unpacking heterogeneity in autism
ELDoH Research Capacity Building Series
Wed, 9 Dec 2026 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Heterogeneity is widely recognised as a hallmark feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The core traits we associate with autism vary greatly between individuals, but an even greater source of heterogeneity within this population is attributed to variation in associated intellectual profiles, language profiles, comorbid psychiatric conditions, medical conditions, genetics and biological traits. Clinically, this variation is well recognized, with emphasis placed upon tailoring an individual’s management plan to their individual presentation and functional needs. But scientifically, this heterogeneity poses challenges, for interventional research, prognostic studies and for studies exploring aetiology. Subtyping studies offer possible avenues for overcoming these challenges, by seeking to identify smaller subgroups with greater similarities within the overall population. Subtyping can be a conceptual and theoretical process, or an empirical process, where subgroup identification is statistically driven. In this webinar, we will discuss empirical methods for identifying clinically meaningful subgroups within autistic populations on the basis of varying behavioral, neurocognitive, biological, and comorbidity profiles. Tune in to explore our current understanding of subgrouping in autism, and how this field can pave the way for truly personalised therapeutic recommendations and improved aetiological understanding of neurodevelopment.