Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 7/2008

01-08-2008 | Original Paper

Size Sequencing as a Window on Executive Control in Children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

Auteurs: Margaret McGonigle-Chalmers, Kimberly Bodner, Alicia Fox-Pitt, Laura Nicholson

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 7/2008

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

A study is reported in which size sequencing on a touch screen is used as a measure of executive control in 20 high-functioning children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The data show a significant and age-independent effect of the length of sequence that can be executed without errors by these children, in comparison with a chronologically age-matched group of children with normal development. Error data and reaction times are analysed and are interpreted as revealing a constraint on the prospective component of working memory in children on the autistic spectrum even when there is no change in goal or perceptual set. It is concluded that the size sequencing paradigm is an effective measure of executive difficulties associated with autism.
Voetnoten
1
Percentile ranks are used to allow comparability across the WISC-R and the K-ABC
 
2
Although 5 of the 40 children were above the age limit for this test, none had raw scores at ceiling and so it was deemed meaningful to use their scores as scaled for the oldest group.
 
Literatuur
go back to reference Ameli, R., Courchesne, E., Lincoln, A., Kaufman, A. S., & Grillon, C. (1988). Visual memory processes in high-functioning individuals with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 18(4), 601–615.PubMedCrossRef Ameli, R., Courchesne, E., Lincoln, A., Kaufman, A. S., & Grillon, C. (1988). Visual memory processes in high-functioning individuals with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 18(4), 601–615.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference BMDP. (1992). Statistical Software. Los Angeles: University Press of California. BMDP. (1992). Statistical Software. Los Angeles: University Press of California.
go back to reference Chalmers, M., & McGonigle, B. (1997). Capturing dynamic structuralism in the laboratory. In L. Smith, J. Dockrell, & P. Tomlinson (Eds.), Piaget, vygotsky and beyond (pp. 183–200). London: Routledge. Chalmers, M., & McGonigle, B. (1997). Capturing dynamic structuralism in the laboratory. In L. Smith, J. Dockrell, & P. Tomlinson (Eds.), Piaget, vygotsky and beyond (pp. 183–200). London: Routledge.
go back to reference Courchesne, E., Karns, C. M., Davis, H. R., Ziccardi, R., Carper, R. A., Tigue, Z. D., et al. (2001). Unusual brain growth patterns in early life in patients with autistic disorder. Neurology, 57(2), 245–254.PubMed Courchesne, E., Karns, C. M., Davis, H. R., Ziccardi, R., Carper, R. A., Tigue, Z. D., et al. (2001). Unusual brain growth patterns in early life in patients with autistic disorder. Neurology, 57(2), 245–254.PubMed
go back to reference Courchesne, E., Lincoln, A. J., Townsend, J. P., James, H. E., Akshoomoff, N. A., Saitoh, O., et al. (1994). A new finding: Impairment in shifting attention in autistic, cerebellar patients. In S. H. Broman, & J. Grafman (Eds.), Atypical cognitive deficits in developmental disorders: Implications for brain function. Hillsdale, N.J: Erlbaum. Courchesne, E., Lincoln, A. J., Townsend, J. P., James, H. E., Akshoomoff, N. A., Saitoh, O., et al. (1994). A new finding: Impairment in shifting attention in autistic, cerebellar patients. In S. H. Broman, & J. Grafman (Eds.), Atypical cognitive deficits in developmental disorders: Implications for brain function. Hillsdale, N.J: Erlbaum.
go back to reference Dawson, G. (1996). Neuropsychology of autism: A report on the state of the science. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26(2), 179–184.PubMedCrossRef Dawson, G. (1996). Neuropsychology of autism: A report on the state of the science. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26(2), 179–184.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Frith, U. (2004). Emmanuel Miller lecture: Confusions and controversies about Asperger syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(4), 672–686.PubMedCrossRef Frith, U. (2004). Emmanuel Miller lecture: Confusions and controversies about Asperger syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(4), 672–686.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Goldberg, M. C., Mostofsky, S. H., Cutting, L. E., Mahone, E. M., Astor, B. C., Denckla, M. B., et al. (2005). Subtle executive impairments in children with autism and children with ADHD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(3), 279–293.PubMedCrossRef Goldberg, M. C., Mostofsky, S. H., Cutting, L. E., Mahone, E. M., Astor, B. C., Denckla, M. B., et al. (2005). Subtle executive impairments in children with autism and children with ADHD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(3), 279–293.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Goldstein, G., Johnson, C., & Minshew, N. J. (2001). Attentional processes in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(4), 433–440.PubMedCrossRef Goldstein, G., Johnson, C., & Minshew, N. J. (2001). Attentional processes in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(4), 433–440.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Griffith, E. M., Pennington, B. F., Wehner, E. A., & Rogers, S. J. (1999). Executive functions in young children with autism. Child Development, 70(4), 814–832.CrossRef Griffith, E. M., Pennington, B. F., Wehner, E. A., & Rogers, S. J. (1999). Executive functions in young children with autism. Child Development, 70(4), 814–832.CrossRef
go back to reference Hallett, P. E. (1978). Primary and secondary saccades to goals defined by instructions. Vision Research, 18, 1279–1296.PubMedCrossRef Hallett, P. E. (1978). Primary and secondary saccades to goals defined by instructions. Vision Research, 18, 1279–1296.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Hermelin, B., & O’Connor, N. (1970). Experiments with autistic children. Oxford: Pergamon Press. Hermelin, B., & O’Connor, N. (1970). Experiments with autistic children. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
go back to reference Hill, E. L. (2004). Evaluating the theory of executive dysfunction in autism. Developmental review, 24(2), 189–233.CrossRef Hill, E. L. (2004). Evaluating the theory of executive dysfunction in autism. Developmental review, 24(2), 189–233.CrossRef
go back to reference Hughes, C., Russell, J., & Robbins, T. W. (1994). Evidence for executive dysfunction in autism. Neuropsychologia, 32(4), 477–492.PubMedCrossRef Hughes, C., Russell, J., & Robbins, T. W. (1994). Evidence for executive dysfunction in autism. Neuropsychologia, 32(4), 477–492.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L. (1983). Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Circle Pines, Minnesota: American Guidelines Service. Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L. (1983). Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Circle Pines, Minnesota: American Guidelines Service.
go back to reference Lord, C., Rutter, M., & Le Couteur, A. (1994) Autism diagnostic interview-revised: a version of a diagnostic interview for caregivers of individuals with possible pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 25(5), 659–685.CrossRef Lord, C., Rutter, M., & Le Couteur, A. (1994) Autism diagnostic interview-revised: a version of a diagnostic interview for caregivers of individuals with possible pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 25(5), 659–685.CrossRef
go back to reference McGonigle, B., & Chalmers, M. (1993). An experimental analysis of ordering skills in children. Final project report on ESRC grant. London: British Lending Library. McGonigle, B., & Chalmers, M. (1993). An experimental analysis of ordering skills in children. Final project report on ESRC grant. London: British Lending Library.
go back to reference McGonigle, B., & Chalmers, M. (1996). The ontology of order. In L. Smith (Ed.), Critical readings on Piaget. London: Routledge. McGonigle, B., & Chalmers, M. (1996). The ontology of order. In L. Smith (Ed.), Critical readings on Piaget. London: Routledge.
go back to reference McGonigle, B., & Chalmers, M. (2007, in press). Executive functioning as a window on the evolution and development of cognitive systems. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, Special Issue. McGonigle, B., & Chalmers, M. (2007, in press). Executive functioning as a window on the evolution and development of cognitive systems. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, Special Issue.
go back to reference McGonigle, B., Chalmers, M., & Dickinson, A. (2003). Concurrent disjoint and reciprocal classification by Cebus apella in serial ordering tasks: evidence for hierarchical organization. Animal Cognition, 6, 185–197.PubMedCrossRef McGonigle, B., Chalmers, M., & Dickinson, A. (2003). Concurrent disjoint and reciprocal classification by Cebus apella in serial ordering tasks: evidence for hierarchical organization. Animal Cognition, 6, 185–197.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Minshew, N. J., Johnson, C., & Luna, B. (2000). The cognitive and neural basis of autism. In L. M. Glidden (Ed.), Research in mental retardation (pp. 111–138). San Diego: Academic. Minshew, N. J., Johnson, C., & Luna, B. (2000). The cognitive and neural basis of autism. In L. M. Glidden (Ed.), Research in mental retardation (pp. 111–138). San Diego: Academic.
go back to reference Minshew, N. J., Luna, B., & Sweeney, J. A. (1999). Oculomotor evidence for neocortical systems but not cerebellar dysfunction in autism. Neurology, 52, 917–922.PubMed Minshew, N. J., Luna, B., & Sweeney, J. A. (1999). Oculomotor evidence for neocortical systems but not cerebellar dysfunction in autism. Neurology, 52, 917–922.PubMed
go back to reference O’Connor, N., & Hermelin, B. (1965). Visual analogies of verbal of verbal operations. Language and Speech, 8, 197–207.PubMed O’Connor, N., & Hermelin, B. (1965). Visual analogies of verbal of verbal operations. Language and Speech, 8, 197–207.PubMed
go back to reference Ozonoff, S. (1997). Components of executive function in autism, other disorders. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder (pp. 179–211). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ozonoff, S. (1997). Components of executive function in autism, other disorders. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder (pp. 179–211). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Ozonoff, S., & Jensen, J. (1999). Specific executive function profiles in three neurodevelopmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(2), 171–177.PubMedCrossRef Ozonoff, S., & Jensen, J. (1999). Specific executive function profiles in three neurodevelopmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(2), 171–177.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Ozonoff, S., Pennington, B. F., & Rogers, S. J. (1991). Executive function deficits in high-functioning autistic individuals: Relationship to theory of mind. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 32, 1081–1103.PubMedCrossRef Ozonoff, S., Pennington, B. F., & Rogers, S. J. (1991). Executive function deficits in high-functioning autistic individuals: Relationship to theory of mind. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 32, 1081–1103.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Ozonoff, S., & Strayer, D. L. (2001). Further evidence of intact working memory in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(3), 257–263.PubMedCrossRef Ozonoff, S., & Strayer, D. L. (2001). Further evidence of intact working memory in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(3), 257–263.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Pascualvaca, D. M., Fantie, B. D., Papageorgiou, M., & Mirsky, A. F. (1998). Attentional capacities in children with autism: Is there a general deficit in shifting focus? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 28(6), 467–477.PubMedCrossRef Pascualvaca, D. M., Fantie, B. D., Papageorgiou, M., & Mirsky, A. F. (1998). Attentional capacities in children with autism: Is there a general deficit in shifting focus? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 28(6), 467–477.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Pennington, B. F., Rogers, S. J., Bennetto, L., McMahon Griffith, E., Taffy Reed, D., & Shyu, V. (1997). Validity tests of the executive dysfunction hypothesis of autism. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pennington, B. F., Rogers, S. J., Bennetto, L., McMahon Griffith, E., Taffy Reed, D., & Shyu, V. (1997). Validity tests of the executive dysfunction hypothesis of autism. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Piaget, J., & Szeminska, A. (1952). The child’s conception of number. London: Routledge and Kegan-Paul. Piaget, J., & Szeminska, A. (1952). The child’s conception of number. London: Routledge and Kegan-Paul.
go back to reference Robbins, T. W. (1997). Integrating the neurobiological and neuropsychological dimensions of autism. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Robbins, T. W. (1997). Integrating the neurobiological and neuropsychological dimensions of autism. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Roberts, R. J., Hager, L. D., & Heron, C. (1994). Prefrontal cognitive processes: Working memory and inhibition in the antisaccade task. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 123(4), 374–393.CrossRef Roberts, R. J., Hager, L. D., & Heron, C. (1994). Prefrontal cognitive processes: Working memory and inhibition in the antisaccade task. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 123(4), 374–393.CrossRef
go back to reference Roberts, R. J., & Pennington, B. F. (1996). An interactive framework for examining prefrontal cognitive processes. Developmental Neuropsychology, 12, 105–126.CrossRef Roberts, R. J., & Pennington, B. F. (1996). An interactive framework for examining prefrontal cognitive processes. Developmental Neuropsychology, 12, 105–126.CrossRef
go back to reference Russell, J., Jarrold, C., & Henry, L. (1996). Working memory in children with autism and with moderate learning difficulties. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 37(6), 673–686.PubMedCrossRef Russell, J., Jarrold, C., & Henry, L. (1996). Working memory in children with autism and with moderate learning difficulties. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 37(6), 673–686.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Turner, M. (1997). Executive dysfunction and repetitive behaviour. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Turner, M. (1997). Executive dysfunction and repetitive behaviour. In J. Russell (Ed.), Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference van Der Geest, J. N., Kemner, C., Camfermann, G., Verbaten, M. N., & Van Engeland, H. (2001). Eye movements, visual attention, and autism: A saccadic reaction time study using the gap and overlap paradigm. Biological Psychiatry, 50, 614–619.PubMedCrossRef van Der Geest, J. N., Kemner, C., Camfermann, G., Verbaten, M. N., & Van Engeland, H. (2001). Eye movements, visual attention, and autism: A saccadic reaction time study using the gap and overlap paradigm. Biological Psychiatry, 50, 614–619.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Wechsler, D. (1992). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (3rd ed.). London: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Wechsler, D. (1992). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (3rd ed.). London: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
go back to reference Yirmiya, N., & Shulman, C. (1996). Seriation, conservation and theory of mind abilities in individuals with autism, individuals with mental retardation and normally developing children. Child Development, 67, 2045–2059.PubMedCrossRef Yirmiya, N., & Shulman, C. (1996). Seriation, conservation and theory of mind abilities in individuals with autism, individuals with mental retardation and normally developing children. Child Development, 67, 2045–2059.PubMedCrossRef
Metagegevens
Titel
Size Sequencing as a Window on Executive Control in Children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Auteurs
Margaret McGonigle-Chalmers
Kimberly Bodner
Alicia Fox-Pitt
Laura Nicholson
Publicatiedatum
01-08-2008
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 7/2008
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0396-y

Andere artikelen Uitgave 7/2008

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 7/2008 Naar de uitgave