*3.1. Sample Characteristics*

Sample characteristics are reported in Table 1. Participants with ASD had significantly higher AQ total scores (*<sup>t</sup>*64 = 8.74, *p* < 0.001), as well as social interaction (*<sup>t</sup>*64 = 8.34, *p* < 0.001) and attention to detail (*<sup>t</sup>*64 = 5.55, *p* < 0.001) subscale scores. With regard to self-reported lifetime diagnosed mental health conditions, in the control group, participants reported having ever been diagnosed with a depressive disorder (*n* = 1) and anxiety disorder (*n* = 1). In the ASD sample, participants reported having ever been diagnosed with a depressive disorder (*n* = 9), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (*n* = 4), anxiety disorder (*n* = 2), and post-traumatic stress disorder (*n* = 2). None of the participants had currently or recently used any medication for these conditions.

**Table 1.** Sample characteristics of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and controls.


SD, standard deviation; IQ, intelligence quotient; MBq, megabecquerel; and AQ, autism spectrum quotient.
