Randomized trial investigates links between cognitive empathy and moral reasoning in autistic children, suggesting significant implications for understanding social functioning.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the role of cognitive empathy in moral reasoning among autistic children compared to neurotypical controls.
Novel assessment tool used to measure social cognition aspects: cognitive empathy, moral reasoning, and social interpretation.
Thirty-six autistic participants aged 8–17 compared with thirty-six neurotypical controls aged 8–15, matched by age and sex.
Statistical analyses conducted to determine differences and relationships between cognitive empathy and moral responding.
Autistic group scored significantly lower in cognitive empathy (t(69.37) = 5.95, p < .001).
Cognitive empathy positively associated with moral responding in autism group (R² = .11, F(1, 32) = 5.24, p = .029).
No significant association found between social interpretation and moral responding in the autism group.