Neuropsychological functioning in adults with Asperger syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Existing literature suggests a cognitive profile for Asperger syndrome (AS), often including higher verbal than performance IQ and executive function (EF) deficits.
• However, research on cognitive functioning in adults with AS is limited, with many studies using autistic controls exclusively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cognitive functioning of adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) to that of neurotypical adults.
• To investigate specific aspects of executive function (EF) and memory in adults with AS.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 27 adults with AS (no history of language delay) and 20 neurotypical controls.
• Cognitive assessments focused on verbal and performance IQ, visual memory, and executive functions (flexibility, generativity, inhibition).

Main Results:

• Adults with AS demonstrated significant impairments in visual memory.
• Executive function (EF) deficits were observed in tasks measuring cognitive flexibility and generativity, but not inhibition.
• No significant difference was found between verbal and performance IQ in the AS group.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive impairments in flexibility and generation are present in adults with Asperger syndrome (AS).
• These EF challenges appear to occur across different ages and within various autism spectrum disorders.
• Findings contribute to understanding the cognitive profile of AS beyond childhood and specific diagnostic groups.