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Cognitive styles in high-functioning adolescents with autistic disorder.
J P Teunisse1, A R Cools, K P van Spaendonck
1University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|July 7, 2001
Summary
Weak central coherence and poor cognitive shifting were more common in adolescents with autism than in controls. These cognitive styles were not linked to autism symptom severity or social skills in the studied group.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder research
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with distinct cognitive styles.
- Weak central coherence (WCC) and cognitive shifting difficulties are frequently discussed in ASD.
- Operationalizing and measuring these cognitive styles in high-functioning adolescents with autism requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To operationalize and identify weak central coherence and poor cognitive shifting in high-functioning adolescents with autism.
- To determine the prevalence of these cognitive styles within this population.
- To examine the relationship between these cognitive styles and symptom severity, social understanding, and social competence.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis was used to represent central coherence and cognitive shifting.
- Central coherence was analyzed through piecemeal processing and meaning processing abilities.
- Cognitive shifting was assessed via internally and externally controlled shifting.
Main Results:
- Weak central coherence and poor cognitive shifting were found to be significantly more prevalent in the sample of adolescents with autism compared to normative controls.
- These cognitive styles were not found to be universally present in all individuals with autism.
- No significant relationships were observed between weak central coherence, poor cognitive shifting, and measures of autism symptom severity, social understanding, or social competence.
Conclusions:
- Weak central coherence and poor cognitive shifting are identifiable cognitive styles in high-functioning adolescents with autism.
- These cognitive styles are more common in this population than in the general population but not universal.
- The findings suggest that WCC and cognitive shifting difficulties may be distinct from core autism symptom severity and social functioning measures.