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Published on: December 7, 2018
Impact of IQ discrepancy on executive function in high-functioning autism: insight into twice exceptionality
M Layne Kalbfleisch1, Ashlee R Loughan
1College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA. mkalbfle@gmu.edu
Intellectual Quotient Discrepancy (IQD) impacts executive function in High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Greater IQD may benefit certain executive functions, particularly those related to verbal intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Executive function (EF) is crucial for daily functioning.
- Individuals with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) often exhibit EF challenges.
- Intellectual Quotient Discrepancy (IQD) is a potential factor influencing EF in HFA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of IQD (within 1 and above 1 standard deviation) on executive function in HFA.
- To test the hypothesis that IQD benefits executive function in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) to assess EF.
- Employed MANCOVA and Pearson correlations to analyze the relationship between IQD and EF.
- Compared EF deficits across different IQD levels (1 and 1+).
Main Results:
- IQD within one standard deviation showed deficits in multiple BRIEF indices (inhibit, shift, initiate, working memory, planning/organization, monitor).
- As IQD increased to above one standard deviation, fewer deficits were observed (inhibit, shift, initiate).
- Significant negative correlations found between Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and BRIEF Global Composite, and planning/organization and monitor subscales.
Conclusions:
- IQD within one standard deviation is associated with broader executive function deficits in HFA.
- Higher IQD, particularly favoring verbal intelligence, may support specific aspects of executive function in HFA.
- These findings highlight the nuanced role of IQD in the cognitive profile of individuals with HFA.
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