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Published on: December 7, 2018
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Executive Function and Social Cognition Performance Predicts Social Difficulty for Autistic Adults
T R Wong1,2, K A Boulton1,2, E A Demetriou1,2
1Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Summary
Executive function (EF) and social cognition uniquely predict social functioning in autistic adults. Targeting these cognitive areas in assessment and support can improve outcomes for autistic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Limited research exists on cognitive predictors of outcomes in autistic adults.
- Social cognition and executive function (EF) are proposed cognitive factors influencing social functioning in autism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive power of social cognition and EF on social functioning outcomes in autistic adults.
- To determine if EF influences social functioning independently of social cognition.
Main Methods:
- 305 autistic adults completed assessments of social cognition, EF, and social functioning.
- Hierarchical regressions and mediation models were employed to analyze the relationships between cognitive factors and social outcomes.
Main Results:
- Poorer performance-based EF and social cognition predicted increased clinician-observed social challenges.
- Poorer self-reported EF and social cognition predicted increased self-reported social challenges.
- The effects of EF and social cognition on outcomes were independent.
Conclusions:
- Both EF and social cognition measures offer clinically relevant markers for social functioning in autistic adults.
- These cognitive domains appear to influence social functioning through separate pathways.
- Targeting EF and social cognition is valuable for assessment and support strategies in autistic adults.
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