title: Executive functioning in children with ASD: an analysis of the BRIEF.
abstract: The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) screens for executive function deficits in 5- to 18-year-olds. Data of three autism subgroups, according to DSM-IV-TR criteria (N = 35 Autistic Disorder, N = 27 Asperger's Disorder and N = 65 PDD-NOS), were analyzed. The total group has elevated scores on almost all BRIEF scales. The Shift scale is clinically elevated, reflecting a deficit in cognitive flexibility. The BRIEF scales are not found to discriminate among the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subgroups. The relation between BRIEF and IQ is complex. Possible influencing factors are discussed. Finally, it is recommended to omit the Negativity scale as a validity index in children with ASD and to consider a high score on this index as a unique characteristic of their BRIEF profile, reflecting rigidity problems.
authors.affiliation: Autism Team and Infant Team, INTER-PSY, Verlengde Meeuwerderweg 7, 9723 ZM, Groningen, The Netherlands, e.blijd-hoogewys@inter-psy.nl.
authors.forename: E M A
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Blijd-Hoogewys
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bezemer
authors.forename: P L C
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: van Geert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*