The interplay of language on executive functions in children with ASD
The interplay of language on executive functions in children with ASD
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DOI：
10.1016/j.rasd.2012.09.001
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发表时间：
2013-03-01
影响因子：
2.5
通讯作者：
Paul, Rhea
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Akbar, Maysa;Loomis, Rebecca;Paul, Rhea
自闭症谱系障碍(ASD)是一种神经发育障碍，以社会交往和沟通障碍为特征，以重复行为和兴趣受限为特征。先前的研究已经揭示了自闭症儿童的执行功能(EF)缺陷。有人认为，这些EF障碍与ASD固有的语言缺陷有关，特别是无法利用内心语言来调节非常规行为(Russell，Jarroeld，&Hood，1999)。然而，其他研究没有发现语言能力和EF之间的联系(Joseph，McGrath，&Tager-Flusberg，2005)。本研究试图在认知异质性的样本中阐明自闭症儿童的语言和EF缺陷之间的联系。采用直接测量(DKEFS、NEPSY和WISC)和间接家长/教师报告(Brief)对62例自闭症儿童的EF四个领域(工作记忆、组织、转移和抑制)进行了评估。逐步回归分析表明，语言技能、非语言认知和自闭症症状严重程度的测量可以预测EF的几个领域。结构和语用语言能力预测工作记忆的直接测量，非语言认知预测组织的直接测量(0)，非语言认知和自闭症症状严重程度预测转移的直接测量(S)。此外，家长和教师的工作记忆报告分别受到结构语言技能和语用语言技能的预测。结果被解释为在直接或间接评估时，语言对EF的WM成分起中介作用。讨论了ASD人群中将语言技能与EF联系起来的理论的含义，并将观察到的缺陷与SLI人群中EF和语言能力的研究结果进行了比较。(C)2012爱思唯尔有限公司。保留所有权利。
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication and by repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Prior research has revealed executive function (EF) deficits in children with ASD. It has been suggested that these EF impairments are associated with language deficits intrinsic to ASD, specifically the inability to utilize inner speech to regulate non-routine behaviors (Russell, Jarrold, & Hood, 1999). Other studies, however, have found no link between language ability and EF (Joseph, McGrath, & Tager-Flusberg, 2005). The present study seeks to clarify the link between language and EF deficits in children with ASD in a cognitively heterogeneous sample. Four specific domains of EF (Working Memory, Organization, Shift, and Inhibition) were assessed in 62 children with ASD using direct measures (DKEFS, NEPSY, and WISC), and indirect parent/teacher report (BRIEF). Analysis by stepwise regressions showed measures of language skill, nonverbal cognition, and autistic symptom severity to be predictive of several domains of EF. Direct measure of Working Memory (WM) was predicted by structural and pragmatic language ability, direct measure of Organization (0) was predicted by nonverbal cognition, and direct measure of Shift (S) was predicted by nonverbal cognition and autistic symptom severity. Additionally, parent and teacher reports of WM were predicted by structural and pragmatic language skills, respectively. Results are interpreted to demonstrate a mediating effect of language on the WM component of EF when assessed directly or indirectly. Implications for theories linking language skill to EF in the ASD population are discussed, and the observed deficit is compared with findings on EF and language ability in the SLI population. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.