Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4933322 | Psychiatry Research | 2017 | 16 Pages |
Abstract
Associations between executive functions (EF) and mental-health in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were examined. Forty-two adults with ASD completed measures of EF, mood and self-concept. Better concept formation and social inference skills were significantly associated with fewer anxiety symptoms. Conversely, participants with better non-verbal reasoning, cognitive flexibility and social cognition reported more negative self-concept and lower self-esteem. Overall, individuals with impaired EF are more prone to anxiety, whereas those with stronger EF are more likely to experience negative self-concept. Screening for and monitoring mental-health concerns in people with ASD regardless of their level of EF is recommended.
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Authors
David Zimmerman, Tamara Ownsworth, Analise O'Donovan, Jacqueline Roberts, Matthew J. Gullo,