Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS)
Volume 39, January 2026
Authors
Maura Nevejans, Jamie Cummins, Jan De Houwer, Emiel Cracco, & Jan R. Wiersema
Key Findings
- This study tested the relation between autism traits and eight relational frames.
- Deictic relating did not correlate with autism traits in a general population sample.
- None of the other frames correlated reliably with autism traits.
- The findings do not support autism-related claims based on Relational Frame Theory.
Abstract
Relational Frame Theory (RFT) proposes that a specific type of relational responding, namely “deictic” relating, is critically involved in perspective-taking and Theory of Mind (ToM). Therefore, it has been proposed that presumed ToM difficulties experienced by individuals with autism may be attributed to difficulties with deictic relating. However, rigorous studies testing whether altered deictic relating is associated with autism are lacking. To this end, we conducted two experiments (Nexp1 = 134, Nexp2 = 120) in which we tested the relationship between autism traits and performance on different types of relational responding, including deictic relating, in a general population sample. In Experiment 1, we investigated the relationship between autism traits and performance on eight types of relational responding via an improved version of the Relational Abilities Index (RAI). In Experiment 2, we adjusted the deictic relating scale to include stimulus functions more directly relevant to perspective-taking. Contrary to our predictions, deictic relating did not correlate significantly with autism traits. Moreover, none of the other RAI subscales correlated reliably with autism traits. These findings question the claims made by RFT about the relationship between autism and relational responding and warrant a reassessment of the accuracy of this position.