Executive function in preschoolers with autism: evidence consistent with a secondary deficit

J Autism Dev Disord. 2007 Jul;37(6):1068-79. doi: 10.1007/s10803-006-0250-7.

Abstract

Recent research on executive function (EF) deficits in autism has led investigators to conclude that EF deficits are secondary to the disorder. The current study has two major goals: (1) Examine whether specific EF deficits are present in the youngest autism group to date (mean=2.9 years), and (2) examine whether such deficits are secondary to autism, or act as an early non-specific cognitive risk factor for autism by comparing EF abilities of this autism group to a CA-matched typically developing group. Results from Experiment 1 suggest no specific EF deficits in autism relative to MA-matched controls, while results from Experiment 2 are consistent with the hypothesis that EF deficits may emerge as a secondary deficit in autism. Alternative hypotheses are also considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aptitude
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Concept Formation
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Developmental Disabilities / psychology
  • Down Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Down Syndrome / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Orientation
  • Problem Solving*
  • Reference Values
  • Reversal Learning
  • Risk Factors
  • Set, Psychology