Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Sabrina Panesi, Alessia Bandettini, Laura Traverso, Sergio Morra
Summary: This study examines the relationship between working memory updating and working memory capacity in preschool children. The results show a significant correlation between updating and capacity, although the correlation decreases when age is accounted for. Capacity increases with age and mediates the relationship between age and updating. Notably, the analysis reveals that there are possible events of high updating scores with low M capacity and low updating scores with relatively high M capacity, but a low updating score with precocious development of M capacity is ruled out.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Geraldine Rodriguez-Nieto, Caroline Seer, Justina Sidlauskaite, Lore Vleugels, Anke Van Roy, Robert Hardwick, Stephan Swinnen
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the neural networks of executive functions and synthesizes the convergences and divergences among the most frequently used executive paradigms. It reveals that a fronto-parietal network is shared by the three main executive domains and identifies the distinctive components of each domain. The study also detects heterogeneity among paradigms within the same domain and provides insights into the neural signatures associated with specific memory modules. Overall, it contributes to a better understanding of executive processes and has implications for clinical applications.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sabrina Panesi, Sergio Morra
Summary: This study examined the relationship between drawing and language in preschoolers, finding that working memory and executive functions play important roles in this association. The research suggests that the intertwining of language and drawing development in preschoolers depends on the development of domain-general components of the cognitive system.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Huiting Liu, Carter J. Funkhouser, Scott A. Langenecker, Stewart A. Shankman
Summary: The study examined whether set-shifting and inhibition meet endophenotype criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with results suggesting that impaired set-shifting may be a promising endophenotype candidate for MDD. Inhibition showed familial patterns but was generally not impaired in individuals with current or remitted MDD. Further research is needed to explore generalizability, longitudinal relationships, and other endophenotype criteria.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sha Xie, Chaohui Gong, Jiahao Lu, Hao Zhang, Dandan Wu, Xinli Chi, Hui Li, Chunqi Chang
Summary: The study found that there is correlation among cognitive shifting, inhibitory control, and working memory in preschoolers, but they are not completely correlated. The neuroimaging results also confirmed this, indicating that the unity-diversity model of EF applies to Chinese preschoolers.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Haris Memisevic, Arnela Pasalic, Amra Saletovic
Summary: Autistic children often struggle with executive functions, which can impact their daily functioning. However, it is unclear how the severity of autism symptoms affects these functions. This study found that autism severity level affects planning and working memory but does not impact inhibition, shifting, and emotional control. These results indicate that cognitive executive functions are more affected by autism severity than emotional executive functions. The article concludes with suggestions for improving executive functions in autistic children.
Article
Psychology, Educational
Nadia Chernyak, Paul L. Harris, Sara Cordes
Summary: Recent work has examined the developmental mechanisms that promote fair sharing and found that number knowledge is associated with fair sharing, even after controlling for other factors and age. Additionally, a counting intervention has been shown to improve children's sharing behavior.
Article
Pediatrics
Costanza Ruffini, Silvia Spoglianti, Clara Bombonato, Silvia Bonetti, Maria Chiara Di Lieto, Chiara Pecini
Summary: The study found that the Italian version of Quincey Quokka's Quest (QQQ(IT)) intervention resulted in improved executive functions, particularly in shifting abilities, among preschool children. This suggests that ecological interventions in preschool settings can effectively enhance specific components of executive functions in young children.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sarah R. Edmunds, Carly Colman, Paige Vidal, Susan Faja
Summary: The study found deficits in working memory and verbal ability in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not in verbal self-talk. There was a positive correlation between verbal ability and working memory, particularly in children with ASD. Results suggest that self-talk may serve as a compensatory strategy for toddlers with underdeveloped working memory.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jana Kvintova, Lucie Kremenkova, Roman Cuberek, Jitka Petrova, Iva Stuchlikova, Simona Dobesova-Cakirpaloglu, Michaela Pugnerova, Kristyna Balatova, Sona Lemrova, Miluse Viteckova, Irena Plevova
Summary: European policy on early childhood preschool education has undergone changes and innovations over the last decade, which have been reflected in the policies of individual EU countries, including the Czech Republic. This study assessed the influence of different preschool education systems in the Czech Republic on psychological variables of children, such as attitudes, motivations, and executive functions, which could contribute to future school achievement. The results showed that the type of kindergarten attended had a significant effect on school performance motivation, attitudes toward school, and executive functions of the children.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Karen Murphy, Olivia Creux
Summary: The study found a marginally significant association between higher levels of media multitasking and greater working memory capacity scores. Participants with higher media multitasking scores also showed more efficient processing speed. However, there was a trend towards poorer performance in inhibition tasks for participants with higher levels of media multitasking, indicating a complexity in the relationship between media multitasking and executive functions.
COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Experimental
Aleksander Veraksa, Margarita Gavrilova, Janne Lepola
Summary: This study validated the Russian version of the Child Behaviour Motivation Scale (CBeMO) and investigated gender differences and the impact of executive functions on learning motivation among children. The results showed acceptable reliability and unidimensionality of the CBeMO scales, although the model fit was poor. The study also found gender differences in all three CBeMO scales and identified the impact of motor persistence skills and working memory on learning motivation tendencies among children.
Article
Neurosciences
Marisa G. Filipe, Andreia S. Veloso, Sonia Frota
Summary: The development of language skills requires a range of linguistic abilities and cognitive processes, such as executive functions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between specific components of executive functions and language abilities in preschool children. The results showed that working memory and cognitive flexibility significantly contributed to the variance in language abilities, while inhibition skills did not have a significant impact.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Eivind Haga Ronold, Jutta Joormann, Asa Hammar
Summary: This study investigated the effects of computerized working memory training on cognitive functioning and symptoms in remitted patients with major depressive disorder. The results showed improvements in cognitive functioning in most conditions, while symptoms did not change. The improvements in computerized working memory training were associated with improvements in some aspects of cognition, but also with worse self-reported attention.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Fanny Gaubert, Celine Borg, Hanna Chainay
Summary: Executive functions and working memory play different roles in decision-making for Alzheimer's disease patients. Inhibition is more related to decision quality, while switching and updating ability, as well as working memory, are involved in decisions inspired by everyday life.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Stephanie H. Ameis, John D. Haltigan, Rachael E. Lyon, Amanda Sawyer, Pat Mirenda, Connor M. Kerns, Isabel M. Smith, Tracy Vaillancourt, Joanne Volden, Charlotte Waddell, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Teresa Bennett, Eric Duku, Mayada Elsabbagh, Stelios Georgiades, Wendy J. Ungar, Anat Zaidman-Zait, Meng-Chuan Lai, Peter Szatmari
Summary: This study examined the mediating role of executive functioning (EF) in middle childhood on the associations between early childhood autism symptoms and adolescent outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results showed that middle childhood EF significantly mediated the associations between early childhood autism symptoms and externalizing behavior, academic performance, and adaptive functioning in early adolescence.
JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Stephanie L. Snow, Isabel M. Smith, Margot Latimer, Emma Stirling Cameron, Jennifer Fox, Jill Chorney
Summary: This study conducted interviews with parents of children with autism and healthcare providers to understand the challenges they face during surgery and how to improve these experiences. The results demonstrated how individual, interpersonal, and systemic factors influence the surgical experiences of children with autism.
Article
Education, Special
Nicole Ali, Isabel Smith, Sarah Brine, Penny Corkum
Summary: The study aimed to assess the usability of an online intervention for classroom teachers supporting students with ASD. The results showed that participants regarded the module as useful, usable, and valuable, indicating its potential for supporting teachers in their work with ASD students.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISABILITY DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
James W. Patterson, Vickie Armstrong, Eric Duku, Annie Richard, Martina Franchini, Jessica Brian, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Susan E. Bryson, Lori-Ann R. Sacrey, Caroline Roncadin, Isabel M. Smith
Summary: The study indicates that the early trajectory of motor development may be associated with core features of ASD, such as expressive language skills, receptive language skills, and severity of ASD symptoms.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Andrew Pickles, Nicola Wright, Rachael Bedford, Mandy Steiman, Eric Duku, Teresa Bennett, Stelios Georgiades, Connor M. Kerns, Pat Mirenda, Isabel M. Smith, Wendy J. Ungar, Tracy Vaillancourt, Charlotte Waddell, Anat Zaidman-Zait, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Peter Szatmari, Mayada Elsabbagh
Summary: Language regression is a distinctive feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early childhood. This study examined potential predictors of language regression and its association with language development in a longitudinal sample of children with ASD. The findings showed that language regression did not differ from ASD children without regression in demographic and other health factors, but exhibited delays in expressive and receptive communication. However, these delays were attenuated when accounting for differences in motor and cognitive ability. Overall, language regression did not necessarily lead to worse developmental outcomes compared to those without regression.
JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Erin Elizabeth Dempsey, Chris Moore, Shannon A. Johnson, Sherry H. Stewart, Isabel M. Smith
Summary: Morality can guide behavior and relationships, and it is also present in individuals with autism. Although moral judgments by autistic individuals are similar to neurotypical individuals, subtle differences need to be acknowledged to understand interpersonal challenges among autistic youth. The study found that autistic and neurotypical children make similar moral judgments, but autistic children are more likely to recommend punishment for harmless violations.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Barbara D'Entremont, Helen E. Flanagan, Wendy J. Ungar, Charlotte Waddell, Nancy Garon, Jeffrey den Otter, Natalie Leger, Francine Vezina, Isabel M. Smith
Summary: Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is effective for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parental distress decreased, parental self-efficacy increased, and greater parent involvement was associated with positive parent outcomes.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Jessica Brian, Irene Drmic, Caroline Roncadin, Erin Dowds, Chantelle Shaver, Isabel M. Smith, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Lori-Ann R. Sacrey, Susan E. Bryson
Summary: Recent efforts have focused on developing and evaluating early interventions for toddlers with possible or emerging autism spectrum disorder. Parent-mediated approaches have been shown to be effective, but there is a gap between research and practice, and community effectiveness needs to be further established.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Virginia Carter Leno, Nicola Wright, Andrew Pickles, Rachael Bedford, Anat Zaidman-Zait, Connor Kerns, Pat Mirenda, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Eric Duku, Teresa Bennett, Stelios Georgiades, Isabel Smith, Tracy Vaillancourt, Peter Szatmari, Mayada Elsabbagh
Summary: Mental health problems are prevalent in autistic youth, and the study explored the bidirectional associations between family-level stressful life events and mental health problems in autistic children. The results showed that cognitive flexibility may moderate the relationship between stressful life events and internalizing symptoms. Understanding family-level stressful life event exposure and cognitive flexibility can help identify autistic youth at higher risk of developing mental health problems.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Alana J. McVey, Quinn Liu, Saashi A. Bedford, Anat Zaidman-Zait, Peter Szatmari, Isabel M. Smith, Tracy Vaillancourt, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Teresa Bennett, Eric Duku, Mayada Elsabbagh, Stelios Georgiades, Connor M. Kerns
Summary: Research on the quality of sibling relationships among autistic children is mixed. Some studies suggest poorer quality compared to children with other disabilities or who are neurotypical. Parents' perceptions of sibling relationship quality in relation to the clinical characteristics of autistic children are not well understood. This study examined the relationship between autism symptoms, behavioral difficulties, and communication abilities of autistic children, and parent-rated sibling relationship quality. The findings highlight the importance of considering clinical characteristics and multiple domains of relationship quality to better understand how parents view the relationships between autistic children and their siblings.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Yun-Ju Chen, Eric Duku, Anat Zaidman-Zait, Peter Szatmari, Isabel M. Smith, Wendy J. Ungar, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Tracy Vaillancourt, Connor Kerns, Teresa Bennett, Mayada Elsabbagh, Ann Thompson, Stelios Georgiades
Summary: Participation in daily activities is vital for the functional independence and well-being of autistic youth. This study examined individual differences in activity participation and factors associated with those differences. The results showed different profiles of participation at home, school, and in the community. Higher levels of participation were associated with greater environmental support, higher cognitive and adaptive functioning, and less challenging behavior. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring supports to optimize person-environment fit and promote autistic youth's participation across settings.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Lori-Ann R. Sacrey, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Yomna Elshamy, Isabel M. Smith, Jessica A. Brian, Sam Wass
Summary: The study aimed to compare patterns of visual attention in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their age- and sex-matched neurotypical (NT) peers. The results showed that toddlers with ASD had longer looking durations and decreased frequencies of responding to and initiating joint attention compared to NT peers. However, there were no differences in tasks of disengaging attention and cognitive control. These findings suggest that toddlers with ASD may have attentional strengths that can be used to develop attention, communicative, and academic skills.
Article
Pediatrics
Michelle Tougas, Gabrielle Rigney, Christine Chambers, Isabel Smith, Joshua Mugford, Laura Keeler, Malgorzata Rajda, Penny Corkum
Summary: This study explored the opinions of adolescents and stakeholders on healthy sleep practices and the use of eHealth interventions. It found that most healthy sleep practices were seen as reasonable, but there were barriers such as variable schedules, technology use before bed, and academic interference with sleep. Specific barriers related to pain were also identified. Participants suggested including content addressing these barriers in a sleep intervention. Desired eHealth components included interactive features, videos, audio, and pictures. The study highlights the importance of considering adolescent-specific barriers and preferences when developing sleep interventions.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Xiao Yang Jia, Pantelis Andreou, Cary Brown, Evelyn Constantin, Roger Godbout, Ana Hanlon-Dearman, Osman Ipsiroglu, Graham Reid, Sarah Shea, Isabel M. Smith, Jennifer D. Zwicker, Shelly K. Weiss, Penny Corkum
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the cost, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of an eHealth intervention for insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (BNBD-NDD) compared to usual care. The intervention targets children aged 4-12 with insomnia and a diagnosis of mild to moderate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The economic evaluation considers various costs and outcomes, using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) as the primary measure.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Stelios Georgiades, Peter A. Tait, Paul D. McNicholas, Eric Duku, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Isabel M. Smith, Teresa Bennett, Mayada Elsabbagh, Connor M. Kerns, Pat Mirenda, Wendy J. Ungar, Tracy Vaillancourt, Joanne Volden, Charlotte Waddell, Anat Zaidman-Zait, Stephen Gentles, Peter Szatmari
Summary: This study examined trajectories of autistic symptom severity in 187 children with ASD, identifying two main trajectory types and a turning point at age 6 during the transition to school. The results can inform the development of more personalized services for children with ASD transitioning into the school system.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
