David Zimmerman|Tamara Ownsworth|Analise O’Donovan|Jacqueline Roberts|Matthew J. Gullo
Independence of Hot and Cold Executive Function Deficits in High-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Griffith University|Griffith University|Griffith University|Griffith University|University of Queensland
individuals autistic spectrum disorder asd display diverse deficits social cognitive behavioral functioning date mixed findings profile executive function deficits highfunctioning adults iq 70 asd conceptual distinction commonly made cold hot executive functions cold executive functions refer mechanistic higherorder cognitive operations eg working memory whereas hot executive functions entail cognitive abilities supported emotional awareness social perception eg social cognition study aimed determine independence deficits hot cold executive functions highfunctioning adults asd fortytwo adults asd 64 male aged 1866 years 40 age gender matched controls administered awareness social inference test tasit emotion recognition social inference letter number sequencing working memory hayling sentence completion test response initiation suppression betweengroup analyses identified asd group performed significantly worse matched controls measures cold hot executive functions 054 15 hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed asd sample performed poorly emotion recognition social inference tasks matched controls controlling cold executive functions employment status findings also indicated ability recognize emotions make social inferences supported working memory response initiation suppression processes overall study supports distinction hot cold executive function impairments adults asd moreover advances understanding higherorder impairments underlying social interaction difficulties population turn may assist diagnosis inform intervention programs