Work

Executive Functions and Adaptive Behaviour in Autism Spectrum Disorders with and without Intellectual Disability

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Executive functions (EF) in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been often investigated, although results seem to be rather inconsistent. The first aim of this study was to detect which EF components are common to the ASD continuum (from high- to low-functioning ASD) and identify a possible EF profile for ASD people. Planning, mental flexibility, inhibition of response, generativity, and ecologic EF were investigated. This study was extended not only to high-functioning ASD, but also to ASD with intellectual disability (ID). The second aim was to find EF aspects correlating with adaptive skills in ASD. A total of 61 children participated in the study (27 ASD with and without ID and 34 controls). Results highlight an executive profile characterised by impaired flexibility and deficient planning; these deficits are associated with decreased adaptive ability, particularly socialization, and a deficient shifting in ecologic conditions. These features are present in all ASD subgroups with and without ID; for this reason, they might be assumed as being specific features in ASD.

Source: Psychiatry Journal

DOI: 10.1155/2014/941809

Authors: Simonetta Panerai, Domenica Tasca, Raffaele Ferri, Valentina Genitori D’Arrigo, Maurizio Elia

Institutions: Oasi Maria SS, I.R.C.C.S. Oasi Maria SS, University of Catania

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: $800