COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION DEVELOPMENT IN NEUROTYPICAL CHILDREN AND CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31392/UDU-nc.series19.2025.49.25Keywords:
cognitive functions, neuropsychological assessment, cognitive processes, cognitive unevennessAbstract
This article explores the characteristics of cognitive development in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in comparison with children with neurotypical development. The theoretical section of the study provides an analysis of approaches to understanding cognitive development – both as the emergence of cognitive processes and as the formation of integrated cognitive functions. The article presents the results of a pilot study, which identifies diagnostic criteria, substantiates the selection of psychodiagnostic instruments, and assesses their applicability to the target groups. Neuropsychological assessment methods were employed to evaluate memory, attention, executive functions, language, and praxis, along with standardized developmental scales for children. To process the results, statistical methods, including comparative analysis and correlation studies, were used. The application of statistical analysis methods reveals statistically significant differences between children with ASD and their peers with neurotypical development across a range of indicators. The findings underscore the necessity of an individualised approach to diagnosis and educational support for these children.
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