Evaluation of educational intervention effects for improvement of executive functions of high function Autistic children; by using neuropsychological and molecular genetics techniques

Background and Aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a neurodevelopmental disorder with difficulty in social relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. Symptoms of this disorder occur before the age ۳ and the main reason is unknown. Although genetics is known as the primary cause of autism spectrum disorders, but it is still not clear which genes and molecular mechanisms is effective in the pathogenesis of this disease spectrum. Cognitive rehabilitation treatment may help to reduce the symptoms of ASD. Electroencephalography (EEG) and gene expression analysis could help to examine the effectiveness of these new treatments. Methods: The results showed significant increase in expression level of CREB۱ and BDNF genes after the program. Also theta wave of occipital lobe that was high in ASD patients before program had been reduced in patients after program treatment. Wisconsin sorting test showed that D-KFES program was improved the executive functions in all three parameters of test. Results: In present study, an educational program based on Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KFES) was performed for ۲۰ ASD patients. Expression level of BDNF, CREB۱ and FOXP۲ genes were assessed in blood samples of ASD patients before and after the D-KFES program by using Real time PCR. Also five minute eyes closed EEG were obtained from ASD patients before and after the educational program. Wisconsin sorting test was used to analyse the effects of D-KFES program on executive functions abilities. Conclusion: Findings revealed that D-KFES program may improve the symptoms of ASD patient. Increasing the expression of CREB۱ and BDNF may lead to improve the memory and executive functions. Also brain mapping showed the theta wave of ASDs were increased after the program.

Keywords:

Autism , Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KFES) , gene expression , Electroencephalography