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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

Autism, processing speed, and adaptive functioning in preschool children.

Åsa Hedvall¹, Elisabeth Fernell, Anette Holm

¹Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, 41119 Gothenburg, Sweden. asa.lundholm-hedvall@karolinska.se

Thescientificworldjournal

|June 15, 2013

Summary

Preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have low processing speed (PSQ), which significantly impacts their adaptive functioning in communication and daily living skills.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction and communication.
Cognitive profiles in children with ASD are often heterogeneous, with varying strengths and weaknesses.
Processing speed is a critical cognitive function influencing overall development and daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate cognitive test profiles in preschool children with ASD, focusing on processing speed.
To examine the relationship between processing speed and adaptive functioning in this population.

Main Methods:

Cognitive assessments were conducted on 190 preschool children (ages 3.6-6.6) diagnosed with ASD.
Standardized cognitive scales, including Griffiths' scales and WPPSI-III, were utilized.
Adaptive functioning was measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS).

Main Results:

Children with ASD exhibited uneven cognitive profiles, notably with low verbal skills.
A significant majority (78%) of children assessed had low processing speed quotients (PSQ).
PSQ was a significant predictor of adaptive functioning across Communication, Daily Living Skills, and Motor Skills domains.

Conclusions:

Preschool children with ASD present with distinct cognitive profiles characterized by low verbal abilities and even lower processing speed.
Processing speed is a crucial factor that substantially predicts adaptive functioning in children with ASD, excluding the Socialization domain.