As practitioners dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's essential to leverage the latest research to inform our interventions. A recent study titled "Autism spectrum disorder polygenic scores are associated with every day executive function in children admitted for clinical assessment" by Torske et al. provides valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of executive function deficits in children with ASD. This blog will explore the study's findings and discuss practical ways to incorporate these insights into your therapeutic practice.
Understanding the Research
The study conducted by Torske et al. examined the relationship between polygenic scores (PGS) for ASD and everyday executive function, as reported by parents using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). The researchers included 176 children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5–22 years, all admitted for clinical assessment of ASD symptoms. A significant portion (68%) of the participants received an ASD diagnosis.
The study found a notable difference in the BRIEF behavior regulation index (BRI) between low and high ASD PGS groups (P = 0.015, Cohen's d = 0.69). This suggests that common ASD risk gene variants have a stronger association with behavioral regulation aspects of executive dysfunction than ADHD risk or general intelligence (INT) variants in a clinical sample with ASD symptoms.
Key Findings
- High polygenic scores (PGS) for ASD are associated with greater difficulties in behavior regulation aspects of executive function.
- The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a useful tool for assessing these difficulties in everyday life.
- Genetic variants related to ASD have a more significant impact on executive dysfunction than those related to ADHD or general intelligence.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Given these findings, practitioners can adopt several strategies to improve executive function in children with ASD:
1. Utilize the BRIEF Tool
Incorporate the BRIEF into your assessment process to identify specific areas of executive dysfunction. This tool provides a comprehensive overview of a child's executive function in everyday settings, enabling targeted interventions.
2. Focus on Behavioral Regulation
Since the study highlights the strong association between ASD polygenic scores and behavior regulation difficulties, prioritize interventions that address these challenges. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and executive function training can be particularly effective.
3. Genetic Counseling and Education
Educate families about the genetic aspects of ASD and their impact on executive function. Providing genetic counseling can help families understand the role of polygenic scores and set realistic expectations for therapeutic outcomes.
4. Personalized Interventions
Leverage genetic information to tailor interventions to each child's unique profile. Personalized approaches can enhance the effectiveness of your therapeutic strategies, leading to better outcomes for children with ASD.
5. Collaborative Care
Work closely with other professionals, including geneticists, psychologists, and educators, to develop a holistic care plan. Collaborative efforts ensure that all aspects of a child's development are addressed, promoting overall well-being.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it's crucial to continue exploring the genetic and environmental factors influencing executive function in children with ASD. Encourage ongoing research and stay updated with the latest findings to continually refine your practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Autism spectrum disorder polygenic scores are associated with every day executive function in children admitted for clinical assessment.
