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The Diametric Lab, led by Professor Ahmad Abu-Akel at the University of Haifa, is an interdisciplinary research group focused on investigating the cognitive and neurobiological relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). The lab explores their relationship withing the framework of the Diametric Model, positing that these two conditions represent opposing ends of a cognitive continuum, characterized by contrasting patterns in genetics, brain function and behavior—particularly in shared domains including perception, attention and social cognition.
Central to the lab’s work is the hypothesis that ASD and SSD represent diametric outcomes of social brain development, where ASD is characterized by diminished Theory of Mind (or hypo-ToM), and SSD are marked by exaggerated or hyperactive Theory of Mind (or hyper-ToM). This diametric model is investigated in multiple domains, across clinical and non-clinical populations, developmental stages, and a variety of methodological approaches.
Mission and Vision
To foster greater collaboration between autism and schizophrenia researchers, driven by the conviction that studying these conditions in tandem will deepen our understanding of their underlying mechanisms and, critically, accelerate the development of effective interventions aimed at improving the well-being of individuals affected by autism and schizophrenia.
Key Ideas and Contributions
The lab has demonstrated that autistic and psychotic traits may exert compensatory influences on one another in specific cognitive domains, including perception, attention and perspective-taking.
Balance Hypothesis: Co-occurrence of traits from both spectra may, in some cases, normalize cognitive and social performance.
Transdiagnostic Perspective: The research advances a dimensional framework that transcends traditional diagnostic boundaries, proposing that autism and schizophrenia reflect opposing but interrelated variations along shared cognitive and behavioral spectra.
The lab uses a multi-level approach that includes:
Behavioral Experiments
To investigate how individuals perceive, attend to, and interpret both basic and complex social cues.
Neuroimaging
To explore how the brain supports cognitive and social functioning in individuals across the autism-psychosis spectra.
Genetic Analysis
To elucidate the opposing genetic architectures underlying traits and symptoms associated with ASD and SSD.
Mathematical Modeling
To model how opposite and overlapping traits and risks jointly influence outcome.
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