Well-developed executive functions (EF) are important for a proper development of children. Verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility are used on daily basis in social situations, by...Show moreWell-developed executive functions (EF) are important for a proper development of children. Verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility are used on daily basis in social situations, by processing complex cognitive information and in understanding language. Children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have deficits in these EF, which could explain the symptoms of their ASD, such as restricted and repetitive behaviors and difficulties in social interaction and communication. Girls show their ASD symptoms differently than boys, which could partly mean that their EF work differently. This cross-sectional study researched the relationship between verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility on the one hand and ASD symptoms on the other hand. Furthermore, it has been researched whether EF mediate the relationship between gender and ASD symptoms. In this study 38 children and adolescents, 20 boys and 18 girls, between 6 and 16 years took part. The sample contained 6 children with a DSM classification of ASD. To measure the cognitive flexibility, verbal working memory and ASD symptoms, the following instruments were used respectively: Trail Making Test, Digit Span Test and the Social Responsiveness Scale. None of the results were significant, which indicates that in this study verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility had no relationship with ASD symptoms. In addition, the mediations were also non-significant, which suggests that in this study boys and girls show comparable ASD symptoms as well as similar skills in verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility. Practically that would mean that the support boys and girls need for their EF deficits and ASD, should be similar as well. However, the results should be considered with the limitations of this study. This study contributes to the first steps into understanding and supporting girls with ASD better.Show less
