Developmental differences in neural correlates of semantic processing and executive performances between autistic boys and non-autistic boys.

Background: Previous studies have separately investigated neural alterations during semantic judgments and executive functions in autism without extensively exploring their interrelations. Understanding the relationship between semantic processing and executive function is important for the autistic population due to the significant impacts of both domains.

Methods: 54 autistic boys and 56 age-, handedness-, and IQ-matched non-autistic boys were assessed with semantic judgment tasks during fMRI scans, assessments using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), and evaluations with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Regression analysis was conducted to explore correlations between neural activation during semantic processing and executive functions.

Results: Neuroimaging identified a significant age (child, adolescent) x group (autistic, non-autistic) interaction in the left anterior prefrontal cortex. This neural alteration exhibited a negative association with executive functions in autistic children, whereas a positive correlation was observed in non-autistic children and adolescents.

Conclusions: Our findings implicate a developmental alteration in the left anterior prefrontal cortex related to semantic processing in autistic youths, with these changes differentially associated with executive functions across autistic and non-autistic groups. These findings elucidate the interplay between the semantic networks and executive functions in autistic youths.