title: Disorganization: the forgotten executive dysfunction in high-functioning autism (HFA) spectrum disorders.
abstract: Executive function (EF) abilities were investigated in 72 children with high-functioning autism (HFA) spectrum disorders through the collection of parent ratings and performance on laboratory measures of EF. In addition, discrepancy analysis was used to isolate executive functioning on tasks that carry multiple demands. Comparison of HFA and Asperger Disorder (AD) groups did not reveal consistent differences in EF. Results did indicate global EF deficits in the combined group of children with HFA and AD. Within the EF domain, specific deficits in flexibility and organization were most prominent.
authors.affiliation: Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. lkenwort@cnmc.org
authors.forename: Lauren E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Kenworthy
authors.forename: David O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Gregory L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Taruna
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ahluvalia
authors.forename: Ann E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sirian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015588:Observer Variation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index