Real world executive control impairments in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Aug;43(8):1967-75. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1747-x.

Abstract

This study examined executive control (EC) in preschoolers with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). ASD participants were a clinically referred sample of preschoolers; the typically developing control group was selected from the BRIEF-P standardization sample. The ASD group was rated significantly worse on all BRIEF-P scores, and these impairments did not correlate with ASD symptoms. These findings document impairments in real world EC in preschoolers with ASD, and have implications for assessing preschoolers suspected of having an ASD. Furthermore, the findings also converge with BRIEF studies of school-aged children with ASD.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / physiopathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Wechsler Scales