Abstract
Are Autism Quotient (AQ) scores related to executive functioning (EF)? We sampled 200 students of normal intelligence and examined the relationship between AQ scores and: (a) 5 self-ratings of EF, (b) 5 performance-based measures of EF, and (c) 5 types of activities or experiences that are assumed to recruit EF and sometimes enhance EF. Our findings reveal that as AQ scores increase, self-rated EF ability decreases. AQ scores and self-reported EF measures do not correlate with objective EF task performance. Furthermore, AQ scores were shown to be negatively associated with many specific types of physical activity. As AQ scores increase, individuals report fewer positive reasons for exercise and more rationalizations for not engaging in more exercise.
Highlights
ObjectivesWe aimed to expand the tests of deficits in the executive functioning (EF) hypothesis to new or underutilized EF laboratory measures and compared the association obtained with these objective tests to a set of 5 self-report measures of cognitive control in everyday life
How are autism tendencies (AQ scores) related to executive functioning (EF)? To answer this question we examined the relationship between Autism Quotient (AQ) scores and: (a) 5 self-rating scales of EF, (b) 5 performance-based measures of EF, and (c) 5 types of activities or experiences that are assumed to recruit EF and sometimes enhance EF
Some researchers believe that performance-based measures map onto a different, but useful facet of cognitive ability, we suggest that they may not
Summary
We aimed to expand the tests of deficits in the EF hypothesis to new or underutilized EF laboratory measures and compared the association obtained with these objective tests to a set of 5 self-report measures of cognitive control in everyday life
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