AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AS A PREDICTOR OF WORKING MEMORY AND PLANNING IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the Autism Spectrum Disorder as Predictor of Impaired Working memory and Inhibition in autistic children. It was hypothesized that Autism Spectrum Disorder impaired working memory and planninga. Additionallly, To investigate the frequency of ASD in term of gender. The sample (n=120) with the age 4-13 years were drawn through purposive sampling technique from Centre of Excellence for children Autism, Directorate of Social Welfare, the Autism Unit, University of Peshawar and the Autism Jewel. Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were utilized to assess impact of asd on working memory, planning respectively. Descriptive Statistic, Stepwise Regression analysis was used. The results revealed that Autism Spectrum Disorder significantly affect Working Memory and Planning. Hence Autism Spectrum Disorder was significant predictor of impaired working memory and planning. the results of present study help mental health workers such aspsychologist and ABA therapist to design strength based intervention which help child to manage their executive functioning in academic and non-academic setting.