Associations between executive functions and mental health outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorder.
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.
['Zimmerman|David|D|', 'Ownsworth|Tamara|T|', "O'Donovan|Analise|A|", 'Roberts|Jacqueline|J|', 'Gullo|Matthew J|MJ|']
D000328:Adult D000339:Affect D001007:Anxiety D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder D056344:Executive Function D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D011340:Problem Solving D012649:Self Concept D066107:Social Skills D055815:Young Adult
Executive functions Adults ASD Mood and self-concept