Background: Several studies have shown that problems in the executive functions (EF) underlie social deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The 'Socio-cognitive integration of abilities model’...Show moreBackground: Several studies have shown that problems in the executive functions (EF) underlie social deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The 'Socio-cognitive integration of abilities model’ has shown that there is an interaction between cognitive functions and the factors which influence social behaviour. Aim: This research focuses on the predictive value of executive functions (inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory) and receptive language on the social behaviour of typically developing young children. Method: 38 children between 3 and 6 years (M = 4.2, SD = .99) of age participated in this study. In a quantitative study the results of the receptive language test and questionnaires about social deficits and executive functioning were analysed. The ‘Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III-NL’ was used to assess receptive language and parent-report questionnaire measures ‘Social Responsiveness Scale’ and ‘Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions Preschool version’ were used to assess social problems and executive functions, respectively. Results: This study shows that receptive language and executive functions (subtests: inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility) were related to social problems. Higher levels of problems in working memory and cognitive flexibility were associated with more social problems. However, higher levels of problems in inhibition were related to less social problems. Higher levels of receptive language were related to less social problems. Discussion: Results and suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS; 47, XXY) is a sex chromosome aneuploidy that affects male physical, cognitive and psychological development. KS has been related to difficulties in social interactions and...Show moreKlinefelter Syndrome (KS; 47, XXY) is a sex chromosome aneuploidy that affects male physical, cognitive and psychological development. KS has been related to difficulties in social interactions and executive dysfunctions. This study investigates several executive functions (inhibition, cognitive flexibility, planning, working memory and sustained attention), social skills and the relationship between these two variables in men with KS. Eighteen men with KS and 29 controls between the age of 16 and 60 years old, participated in this study. Social skills were measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale rated by informants (SRS-A). Executive functions were assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire and by tasks of the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) and by one task of the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS-NL). The clinical group rated poorer social skills than the controls. They also had weaker executive functions compared by controls (measured by the BRIEF). The ANT tasks revealed that from the executive functions, the Klinefelter group only had more difficulties in sustained attention compared by controls. Working memory was significantly (positively) correlated to social skills. The present findings suggest that KS is related to executive dysfunctions measured by the BRIEF and a weak working memory was related to poorer social skills. The results from this study provided insight in which cognitive structure is related to social skills in male with KS and could thereby contribute in the treatment and prevention of problems in social skills.Show less
