Relations between Everyday Executive Functioning and Language in Youth with Down Syndrome and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dev Neuropsychol. 2020 Mar-Apr;45(2):79-93. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2019.1706518. Epub 2020 Feb 16.

Abstract

Language and executive functioning are major impairments in many neurodevelopmental disorders, but little is known about the relations between these constructs, particularly using parent-report. Thus, the current research sought to examine relations between executive function and language in two groups - Down syndrome (DS; n=41; Mage = 11.2) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n=91; Mage = 7.7). Results were as follows: in DS, executive function predicted pragmatic, but not structural language after covarying for age, sex, and social functioning; in ASD, executive function predicted both. Findings highlight the interrelatedness of language and executive functioning and may have implications for intervention development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Down Syndrome / psychology*
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male