ERIC Number: EJ1328207
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Feb
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
A Preliminary Randomized, Controlled Trial of Executive Function Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Faja, Susan; Clarkson, Tessa; Gilbert, Rachel; Vaidyanathan, Akshita; Greco, Gabriella; Rueda, M. Rosario; Combita, Lina M.; Driscoll, Kate
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v26 n2 p346-360 Feb 2022
This randomized, controlled study examined the initial efficacy of an executive function training program for children with autism spectrum disorder. Seventy 7- to 11 year-olds with autism spectrum disorder and intelligence quotients [greater than or equal to]80 were randomly assigned to receive a web-based set of executive function training games combined with in-person metacognition coaching or to a waitlist. Primary outcomes were evaluated for neural responses related to executive function, lab-based executive function behavior, and generalization of executive function skills. Secondary outcomes included measures of social function. Post-testing and analyses were conducted by staff naïve to group assignment. Children exhibited a change in neural response following training relative to the waitlist group ([eta][subscript p][superscript 2]=0.14). Training effects were not detected via lab-based tasks ([eta][subscript p][superscript 2]s<0.02) or generalized to caregiver-reported executive function skills outside the lab ([eta][subscript p][superscript 2]=0.0001). However, the training group demonstrated reduced symptoms of repetitive behavior ([eta][subscript p][superscript 2]<0.015) following training. There were no adverse events or attrition from the training group. Findings suggest that brief, targeted computer-based training program accompanied by coaching is feasible and may improve neural responses and repetitive behaviors of school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Executive Function, Training, Program Effectiveness, Children, Preadolescents, Metacognition, Generalization, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Behavior Problems, Check Lists, Child Behavior, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Individual Characteristics
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts (Boston)
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence; Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule; Child Behavior Checklist
Grant or Contract Numbers: R00HD071966