People with autism having symptoms of depression show reduced cognitive control

Adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with typical development show similar proactive cognitive control, according to a UC Davis study.

However, symptoms of depression in individuals with autism were linked to less proactive control.

Cognitive control refers to a set of mental processes that coordinate thoughts and behaviors to fit one's goals and intentions.

One type of cognitive control is proactive control, characterized by being actively ready and prepared by focusing on goal-relevant information ahead of time.

In this study, published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the researchers examined whether proactive control is different in adolescents and young adults with ASD than in individuals with typical development.

They also studied how repetitive behaviors (a symptom of ASD) and psychological disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) are related to proactive control.

The study consisted of 88 participants (44 with ASD and 44 with typical development) between the ages of 12 and 22.

The study did not find any association between proactive control and repetitive behaviors, anxiety, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems in the ASD group.

Participants with autism who had more symptoms of depression showed less ability to implement proactive control.

People with autism experience depression four times more often than their neurotypical peers.

One key symptom of depression is rumination, the act of dwelling on negative thoughts.

Rumination may drain or limit the cognitive resources needed to exercise proactive control.

This was especially true in mostly incongruent blocks where cognitive resources are needed the most.