Ability to Defer Gratification Attenuates the Negative Association Between Autistic Symptoms and Adaptive Functions in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism

Jannath Begum Ali; Terje Falck-Ytter; Ingrid Shragge; S. Bölte; Karin Brocki

doi:10.1007/s10803-025-07165-4

January 28, 2026Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersOpen Access

Ability to Defer Gratification Attenuates the Negative Association Between Autistic Symptoms and Adaptive Functions in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism

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Key Points

Children's ability to defer gratification reduces the negative impact of autistic symptoms on adaptive functions.
Specifically, higher executive functioning correlates with better outcomes despite existing familial risks.
Analysis was focused on children with a family history of autism and/or ADHD, examining their adaptive capabilities.
These findings may highlight the need for interventions that improve executive functions to support affected children.

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Implication

Observational analysis reveals adaptive functions improve in children with autistic symptoms, suggesting the role of gratification.

Abstract

These results are in line with the idea that strong ability to inhibit and defer gratification may act as a protective factor for children with a family history of autism and/or ADHD pointing to affective aspects of EF as particularly important.

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Cite This Study

Ali et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a75ca8c6e9836116a25b5a https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-07165-4

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Ability to Defer Gratification Attenuates the Negative Association Between Autistic Symptoms and Adaptive Functions in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Ability to Defer Gratification Attenuates the Negative Association Between Autistic Symptoms and Adaptive Functions in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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