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The relationship between executive functioning, central coherence, and repetitive behaviors in the high-functioning
Mikle South1, Sally Ozonoff, William M McMahon
1University of Utah, USA. mikle_south@byu.edu
Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|October 19, 2007
Summary
Repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed a partial link to executive function but not central coherence. Future research should explore specific behavioral and cognitive links in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Repetitive behaviors are primary symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Executive function and central coherence are considered secondary symptoms of ASD.
- The relationship between these symptom categories requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between everyday repetitive behaviors and performance on executive function and central coherence tests in individuals with ASD.
- To test the hypothesis that increased repetitive behavior is associated with cognitive rigidity and weak central coherence.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen individuals (ages 10-19) with high-functioning ASD and 18 age- and IQ-matched typically developing controls participated.
- Neuropsychological tests included the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (executive function), Gestalt Closure test, and Embedded Figures Test (central coherence).
- Frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors were assessed.
Main Results:
- Partial support was found for a positive correlation between repetitive behaviors and executive performance (Wisconsin Card Sorting Task) in the ASD group.
- No significant link was found between repetitive behaviors and measures of central coherence (Gestalt Closure, Embedded Figures Test) in the ASD group.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive behaviors in ASD may be linked to specific aspects of executive function but not necessarily central coherence.
- Future research should focus on narrower behavioral and cognitive constructs for a more nuanced understanding of repetitive behaviors in autism.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay between different symptom domains in autism spectrum disorder.
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