Brief report: CANTAB performance and brain structure in pediatric patients with Asperger syndrome

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Jun;43(6):1483-90. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1686-6.

Abstract

By merging neuropsychological (CANTAB/cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery) and structural brain imaging data (voxel-based-morphometry) the present study sought to identify the neurocognitive correlates of executive functions in individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) compared to healthy controls. Results disclosed subtle group differences regarding response speed on only one CANTAB subtest that is thought to tap fronto-executive network functions (SWM/spatial working memory). Across all participants, SWM performance was significantly associated with two brain regions (precentral gyrus white matter, precuneus grey matter), thus suggesting a close link between fronto-executive functions (SWM) and circumscribed fronto-parietal brain structures. Finally, symptom severity (ADOS total score) was best predicted by response speed on a set-shifting task (IES) thought to tap fronto-striatal functions (corrected R2 56%).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asperger Syndrome / pathology
  • Asperger Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / pathology
  • Frontal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Parietal Lobe / pathology
  • Parietal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Space Perception / physiology*