Longitudinal Stability of Intellectual Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Age 3 Through Mid-adulthood

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Intelligence (IQ) scores are used in educational and vocational planning for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet little is known about the stability of IQ throughout development. We examined longitudinal age-related IQ stability in 119 individuals with ASD (3-36 years of age at first visit) and 128 typically developing controls. Intelligence measures were collected over a 20-year period. In ASD, Full Scale (FSIQ) and Verbal (VIQ) Intelligence started lower in childhood and increased at a greater rate with age relative to the control group. By early adulthood, VIQ and working memory stabilized, whereas nonverbal and perceptual scores continued to change. Our results suggest that in individuals with ASD, IQ estimates may be dynamic in childhood and young adulthood.

Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05227-x

Authors: Molly B. D. Prigge, Erin D. Bigler, Nicholas Lange, Jubel Morgan, Alyson Froehlich, Abigail Freeman, Kristina Kellett, Karen L. Kane, Carolyn K. King, June Taylor, Douglas C. Dean, Jace B. King, Jeff S. Anderson, Brandon A. Zielinski, Andrew L. Alexander, Janet E. Lainhart

Institutions: University of Utah, Brigham Young University, University of California, Davis, Harvard University, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,780

Funders: Waisman Center, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Center for Research Resources, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

OpenAlex ID: W3207550878