Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Executive Functions Among Adolescents With Autism

Abstract

Background : Cognitive Disengagement syndrome (CDS) refers to the set of behavioral and cognitive symptoms in which behavioral symptoms are manifested as motor hypoactivity such as low levels of energy, lethargic, tiredness and sluggish movements whereas cognitive disengagement symptoms include day dreaming, preoccupation, staring blankly, getting lost in their own thoughts and slow processing. CDS has impact in other neurodevelopmental disorders and exhibit marked impairment in executive functioning. The aim of the study is to explore Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome among Adolescents with Mild autism and to understand the differences in Executive functioning among children with and without CDS.

Method: The purposive sample comprised of 43 adolescents both male and female age ranges from 10-16 years (M= 12.37) with ASD (already diagnosed by licensed Clinical Psychologist/pediatrician/psychiatrist) having below average and average intellectual functioning. They were assessed for Intellectual functioning, severity of autism and executive functioning in the domains of working memory, Inhibition, Attention, Planning and indicator of CDS scale.

Result: The results of the study showed that 76.7% of sample had CDS among adolescents with Mild Autism. There exist significant deficits in the areas of working memory, inhibition and planning among children with Mild autism.

Conclusion: There are significant differences in the cognitive domain of Autism between group with CDS and without CDS. The results of this study emphasis the need for new strategies to manage individuals with CDS in academic setting and at home. Hence identifying CDS paves way for primary prevention.