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Autism and Asperger's syndrome
1Department of Psychiatry, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) knowledge has advanced, revealing cognitive challenges like abstract meaning deficits in individuals across functioning levels. Research links executive function and theory of mind to brain regions, with genetics playing a complex role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Significant advancements in understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger's syndrome.
- Improved diagnostic reliability and characterization of the spectrum's diverse presentations.
- Emerging insights into cognitive limitations associated with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate cognitive deficits within the autistic spectrum.
- To explore the relationship between executive function, theory of mind, and neuroimaging findings.
- To investigate potential genetic underpinnings of ASD.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of cognitive elements across the autistic spectrum.
- Analysis of functional imaging data.
- Exploration of potential genetic associations.
Main Results:
- Identified deficits in manipulating abstract meanings, cross-contextual principle translation, and attending to contextual meanings in individuals with ASD.
- Established links between executive function, theory of mind, and functional imaging findings.
- Indicated crucial roles for frontal and temporal brain regions in ASD.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive limitations are a key feature of the autistic spectrum, affecting individuals at various functioning levels.
- Neurobiological correlates, including executive function and theory of mind, are increasingly understood.
- While genetic associations are suggested, complex polygenic interactions require further investigation.