NeuroDevelopmental Science Center, Akron Children's Hospital, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, OH, 44308, USA.
Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60626, USA.
J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Sep;47(9):2861-2872. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3205-2.
High functioning adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have adjustment difficulties, specifically loneliness and depression. To better understand contributing factors, the current study evaluated associations between several Executive Function (EF) domains, social impairment, and friendship quality on depressive symptoms and loneliness in this population. Participants included 127 high functioning ASD adolescents and a parent/caregiver. Results indicated significant levels of parent-reported EF impairment which were positively correlated with increased levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms. Social impairment was identified as a significant mediator between all studied EF domains and adjustment, while friendship quality only partially mediated the relation between emotional control and loneliness. These results have implications for treatments focusing both on social skills and adjustment in adolescents with ASD.
高功能自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）青少年通常存在适应困难，特别是孤独和抑郁。为了更好地了解相关因素，本研究评估了几个执行功能（EF）领域、社交障碍以及友谊质量与该人群抑郁症状和孤独感的关系。参与者包括 127 名高功能 ASD 青少年及其家长/照顾者。结果表明，家长报告的 EF 损伤程度显著，与孤独感和抑郁症状的增加呈正相关。社交障碍被确定为所有研究的 EF 领域与适应之间的一个重要中介因素，而友谊质量仅部分中介了情绪控制与孤独感之间的关系。这些结果对针对 ASD 青少年的社交技能和适应治疗具有重要意义。
