2-Phased RMET for Identification of Socially High-Functioning Asperger Syndrome

Abstract

We introduce a novel cognitive assessment tool designed to improve identification of individuals with Asperger syndrome, focusing on socially high-functioning (SHF) individuals whose traits are subtle and often masked by compensatory mechanisms [1], [2]. Our method targets differences in cognitive processing that emerge under varying cognitive loads and time constraints.

The proposed tool is a modified version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), used to assess theory of mind [3]. Our adaptation, the 2-Phased RMET, contrasts implicit and explicit processing by measuring reaction time under two conditions. RMET involves interpreting emotional and mental states from images showing only the eye region of human faces.

The procedure includes five steps:

1. Baseline cognitive load measurement using a simple reaction time task.

2. PHASE 1: RMET under a 5-second time limit per item to induce implicit processing.

3. Post-PHASE 1 load measurement.

4. PHASE 2: RMET repeated without time constraints, allowing explicit reasoning.

5. Final load measurement.

We hypothesize that neurotypical individuals will show consistent performance and stable reaction times. SHF AS participants are expected to perform poorly in PHASE 1 due to limited time for compensatory strategies, but improve in PHASE 2, with reaction times reflecting higher cognitive effort.

This procedure was implemented in C#-based software with integrated load tracking. A small proof-of-concept study (n = 5) supports our hypothesis: SHF AS participants showed lower accuracy in PHASE 1 and greater improvement in PHASE 2 compared to controls.

Preliminary results suggest the 2-Phased RMET may reveal processing strategies not evident in conventional testing. While statistical inference is not possible with this sample size, findings support feasibility. Future work will increase sample size and match participants by age and interests to reduce confounds. Practical challenges such as standardizing load measures and ensuring accessibility will also be addressed.

By linking performance with cognitive dynamics, the 2-Phased RMET offers a promising path for advancing diagnostic tools in neurodiversity research.

References

[1] B. Callenmark, L. Kjellin, L. Rönnqvist and S. Bölte, “Explicit versus implicit social cognition testing in autism spectrum disorder”, Autism, vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 684-693, 2014.

[2] J. Cook, L. Hull, L. Crane and W. Mandy, “Camouflaging in autism: A systematic review”, Clinical Psychology Review, vol. 89, Nov., 2021.

[3] A. Dyalee, “Theory of mind: Varying substrates of social cognition”, In Proc. Cognition and Artificial Life '22, 2024, pp. 45-48.