Elevated symptoms of executive dysfunction predict lower adaptive functioning in 3-year-olds with autism spectrum...

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Child psychology
• Developmental neuroscience

Background:

• Executive functioning (EF) deficits frequently co-occur with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), negatively impacting children's quality of life.
• Early identification of EF vulnerabilities in toddlers with ASD is crucial for timely intervention and mitigating long-term consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if EF deficits are more prevalent in toddlers with ASD compared to typically developing toddlers, non-autistic siblings, and those with atypical development.
• To investigate the association between EF deficits and adaptive functioning in toddlers with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Study included 73 toddlers with ASD, 33 non-autistic siblings, 35 with atypical development, and 28 typically developing toddlers (mean age 39 months).
• Executive functioning was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P).
• Adaptive skills were measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (VABS-II), with analyses controlled for developmental quotients, autism severity, and sex.

Main Results:

• Toddlers with ASD demonstrated significantly higher BRIEF-P scores across all domains compared to all control groups.
• Elevated BRIEF-P scores were correlated with lower adaptive social, communication, and daily living skills in children with ASD, even after controlling for confounding factors.
• These findings indicate a strong link between EF deficits and adaptive functioning challenges in young children with ASD.

Conclusions:

• Significant executive functioning vulnerabilities are present in toddlers with ASD as early as age three.
• These EF deficits are predictive of adaptive functioning levels in children with ASD.
• Targeting EF vulnerabilities in toddlers with ASD through early intervention is recommended to enhance long-term outcomes.