Alexithymia in neurodevelopmental populations: a scoping review of Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and dual diagnosis

BackgroundAlexithymia, characterized by difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, affects ~10% of the general population. Prevalence is substantially higher in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.ObjectiveTo systematically map existing research on alexithymia across Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and dual diagnosis populations, synthesize current knowledge, and identify critical research gaps informing future investigation priorities.MethodsFollowing Arksey and O'M