Executive Functioning in Children with ASD: An Analysis of the BRIEF

Abstract

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) screens for executive function deficits in 5- to 18-year-olds. Data of three autism subgroups, according to DSM-IV-TR criteria (N = 35 Autistic Disorder, N = 27 Asperger's Disorder and N = 65 PDD-NOS), were analyzed. The total group has elevated scores on almost all BRIEF scales. The Shift scale is clinically elevated, reflecting a deficit in cognitive flexibility. The BRIEF scales are not found to discriminate among the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subgroups. The relation between BRIEF and IQ is complex. Possible influencing factors are discussed. Finally, it is recommended to omit the Negativity scale as a validity index in children with ASD and to consider a high score on this index as a unique characteristic of their BRIEF profile, reflecting rigidity problems.

Relationship between Spontaneous Speech Function and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Profile in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Case Study

“…(T-score = 77) and "Initiate" (T-score = 77) subcategories exceeded the cut-off value reported by Blijd-Hoogewys et al (2014). In Tomo's profile, the T-score for the "Inhibit" (T-score = 69), "Shift" (T-score = 74), "Emotional control"…”

“…All participants showed a divergence with the typical profile of children with ASD reported by Blijd-Hoogewys et al (2014). Additionally, individual differences in profiles were seen among the participants.…”

“…These subcategories are clinical scales that comprise two broader indexes, the Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI) and Metacognition Index (MI) (Gioia et al, 2000). Blijd-Hoogewys et al (2014) reported that children with ASD show high "Inhibit" and "Shift" responses in their BRI profiles. We therefore focused on the "Inhibit" and "Shift" subcategories of BRIEF in the three participants.…”

“…Various tests can be used to evaluate executive function (EF) deficits in children with ASD (Blijd-Hoogewys, Bezemer, & van Geert, 2014). The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a widely used behavioral rating scale measure.…”

“…The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a widely used behavioral rating scale measure. It assesses how a child performs in complex, unstructured everyday problem-solving situations (Blijd-Hoogewys, Bezemer, & van Geert, 2014), indicates areas of weakness, and recommends that a clinician assess the clinical severity of the deficits (Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000). In a different approach to evaluate EF, Tarbox et al (2011) taught children with autism to respond to simple rules of "if/then" antecedent-behavior conditions, and observed a varied profile of responses.…”