Executive Functions in Older Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Objective Performance and Subjective Complaints

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 2016 Jun 10

PMID 27278313

Citations 21

Authors

Roeliena C D Davids

Yvonne Groen

Ina J Berg

Oliver M Tucha

Ingrid D C van Balkom

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Although deficits in Executive Functioning (EF) are reported frequently in young individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), they remain relatively unexplored later in life (>50 years). We studied objective performance on EF measures (Tower of London, Zoo map, phonetic/semantic fluency) as well as subjective complaints (self- and proxy reported BRIEF) in 36 ASD and 36 typically developed individuals (n = 72). High functioning older adults with ASD reported EF-impairments in metacognition, but did not deviate in EF task performance, except for a longer execution time of the Tower of London. The need for additional time to complete daily tasks may contribute to impairments in daily life and may be correlated to a higher level of experienced EF-difficulties in ASD.

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