Relationship Between Sustained, Selective and Shifting Attention and Behavioral Symptoms in Children With High-Functioning Autism

Abstract

Background:The association of autism symptoms and cognitive abilities can facilitate the etiology and treatment of autism disorders. Destruction of executive functions is one of the several potential cognitive phenotypes in autism. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between deficit executive functions and behavioral symptoms in children with high-functioning autism. Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 50 children with high-functioning autism were selected using the convenience sampling method. The Gilliam autism rating scale, high-functioning autism spectrum screening questionnaire, The Stroop color and word test, continuous performance test and shifting attention test were administered. Pearson correlation coefficient and multi-variant regression were used to analyze the data. Results: There was a positive correlation between selective attention with communication and social interactions (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between sustained attention with social interactions and stereotyped behaviors (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). Moreover, there also was a positive correlation between shifting attention and communication, social interactions and stereotyped behaviors (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The results of regression analysis showed that selective attention and shifting attention can predict communication (P < 0.01). Sustained attention can predict social interactions and stereotyped behaviors (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that executive functions play an important role in symptoms of children with highfunctioning autism. It is recommended to design new therapeutic interventions to restore executive functions in children with highfunctioning autism.

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“…The study results are consistent with those of Ileto regarding the significant relationship between pragmatic language and behavioral regulation [12]. According to previous studies, impairment in behavioral regulation is considered as the main core of ASD; it causes compatibility and communication problems in this group [6,22]. Blain-Brière et al [6] reported that high inhibition reduced daring and courage.…”

Is There any Correlation Between Executive Dysfunction and Behavioral Symptoms in Autistic Children? A Systematic Review

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“…Based on a study by , response inhibition in children with high-functioning autism is correlated with communication and social interactions (17). Brian and colleagues found that behavioral stereotypes are significantly related to response inhibition (13).…”

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“…Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with communication deficits, repetitive patterns, behaviors, and activities (1). Autism is a lifelong disorder that usually manifests in the first years of life and is sometimes associated with some degree of intellectual disability, characterized by problems in social interactions, communication, stereotyped behaviors, and limited interests (2)(3). The prevalence of autism has increased dramatically in recent years, reaching about 1 in 54 children born in the United States (4).…”

“…1 Autism is a lifelong disorder that usually manifests in the first years of life and is sometimes associated with some degree of intellectual disability, characterized by problems in social interactions, communication, stereotyped behaviors, and limited interests. 2 , 3 The prevalence of autism has increased dramatically in recent years, reaching about 1 in 54 children born in the United States. 4 Due to the problems that this disorder causes to children, parents, and society, evaluation and treatment are essential.…”