Inter-Individual Variability of Executive Functioning: a Possible Key to Understand Adaptive Behavior Across ASD and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Executive functions (EF) are vital neurocognitive processes.
• Impairments in EF are common in neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting adaptive functioning.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often involve EF deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between EF and adaptive behaviors in preschoolers with ASD, ADHD, or co-occurring ASD+ADHD.
• To identify distinct EF and adaptive functioning profiles within each diagnostic group.
• To assess the mediating role of EF in the link between diagnosis and adaptive outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Study included 98 Italian preschoolers diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, or ASD+ADHD.
• Utilized performance-based tasks and parent-reported questionnaires to assess EF and adaptive behaviors.
• Employed correlational, group comparison, and mediation analyses.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations found between parent-reported executive behaviors and adaptive skills, with lower EF linked to poorer outcomes.
• Children with ADHD and ASD+ADHD showed greater EF impairments (inhibition, working memory) than those with ASD alone.
• The ASD+ADHD group exhibited the most severe adaptive behavior difficulties across domains.

Conclusions:

• Global executive behaviors significantly mediate the relationship between diagnosis and adaptive functioning.
• Findings underscore the critical role of EF in adaptive skills for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Support for EF-focused interventions to enhance adaptive skills in affected young children.