Cognitive functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Executive Functioning (EF), theory of mind, and central coherence deficits are documented in autistic children and adolescents.
• A knowledge gap exists regarding the neuropsychological profiles of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the intellectual functioning and neuropsychological profiles of a clinical adult ASD population.
• To identify specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses in adults with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 40 autistic adults referred to an adult developmental disorders clinic.
• Assessment using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (SBIS), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS).

Main Results:

• Autistic adults scored lower on all Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale domains compared to the general population, with mean scores remaining in the normal range.
• Significant differences were noted in Full Scale IQ, Verbal IQ, Non-Verbal IQ, Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, and Working Memory.
• Verbal knowledge performance was higher than non-verbal knowledge; no significant correlations were found between IQ scores and ASD symptom severity measures (AQ, RAADS-R, SRS).

Conclusions:

• Cognitive and executive function significantly impact social and occupational aspects for autistic adults.
• Further investigation into the neuropsychological profiles of autistic adults is warranted to inform interventions and support.