Executive functioning in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: can we differentiate within the spectrum?

Verté et al. (2006) compared executive-function skills across three autism subtypes.

They tested kids with high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, and PDD-NOS.

A control group was also included to see typical performance.

All three autism groups showed weaker executive skills than the control group.

However, the differences between the autism subtypes were tiny.

In short, you can spot EF trouble, but the label does not tell you how much.

Kleinert et al. (2007) ran a near-copy study one year later and saw the same thing.

McGonigle-Chalmers et al. (2010) extended the idea by adding ADHD groups.

They found that kids with Asperger’s had special trouble with emotional control and planning, even when ADHD kids did not.

Hatton et al. (2005) looked earlier and saw only spatial working-memory deficits in autism, not other EF domains.

Together, the papers show that EF is shaky across autism, but the exact weak spot can shift with age or added diagnoses.

Stop trying to pick the perfect program for “Asperger” versus “HFA.”

Instead, give every child a quick EF screen such as the BRIEF.

Target the weak domains you actually see—whether that is planning, working memory, or self-control—and you will be using your time where it counts.