Abstract
This study compared the neuropsychological profiles of individuals with highfunctioning autism (HFA) and Asperger's syndrome (AS). In comparison with matched controls, both groups were impaired on executive function tests. Only the HFA group demonstrated deficits in theory of mind and verbal memory, performing more poorly than both controls and AS subjects. These results suggest that: (1) HFA and AS are empirically distinguishable on measures independent of diagnostic criteria, and (2) impairment on theory of mind measures is not universally found among individuals with autistic spectrum conditions. The primacy of executive function and theory of mind deficits to autism is discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1107-1122 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 7 |
State | Published - 1991 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology