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Dissertation
High-functioning autism and Asperger's disorder: a neuropsychological comparison
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2007
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-1562
Abstract
Asperger's Disorder (AspD) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) are similar in many ways, creating a controversy regarding their separate diagnostic entities. Previous researchers have reported evidence that these two disorders only differ in terms of level of severity, whereas other researchers have reported evidence suggesting that the neuropsychological profiles differ between the two. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the similarities and differences between children with AspD and HFA. Assessment included measures of adaptive functioning, verbal abilities and nonverbal abilities as well as measures of social skills, behavioral problems, and emotional issues. In contrast to previous research, the AspD group did not differ from the HFA group in nonverbal abilities. Additional similarities between the groups included below average adaptive functioning and social skills and significant behavioral problems among both groups. Differences included a tendency toward better verbal abilities among the children with AspD, which is consistent with previous research. In contrast to previous literature was a tendency for relatively weaker executive functioning among the AspD group. Furthermore, the groups differed in the patterns of associations between cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning. Overall the results have implications for future research as well as clinical assessment.
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Details
- Title
- High-functioning autism and Asperger's disorder
- Creators
- Kaira M. Hayes - DU
- Contributors
- Lamia Barakat (Advisor) - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 1562; 991014632509304721