Flexibility in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): inconsistency between neuropsychological tests and parent-based rating scales

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2012;34(7):714-23. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2012.670209. Epub 2012 Mar 26.

Abstract

In this study, we compared neuropsychological tests and parent-based ratings of flexibility in a sample of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We investigated the discriminant validity of the domain-specific flexibility measures by comparison with the domain general measures, general behavioral problems, general ASD-related traits, and general intelligence. Tests and parent-based ratings of flexibility were not significantly correlated. Parent-based ratings were strongly related with the three broadband measures, whereas the discriminant validity indices of the neuropsychological tests were satisfactory. These findings suggest that parent-based ratings do not reflect the specific executive construct of flexibility, but instead reflect a broad spectrum of general child characteristics.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Executive Function*
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parents*