A screening battery for the assessment of executive functioning in young adults with intellectual disability

Introduction: According to literature, the assessment of executive functions (EFs) is helpful not only for the diagnosis of brain diseases and of their possible progression over time, but also for describing the ability of an individual to develop and coordinate an adaptive response to the environment. The limited development of EFs has been described in individuals with intellectual disabilities of different ages and aetiology. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), a well-known brief battery, for a first assessment of executive functioning in young and adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. Methods: One hundred and twenty-two adults with mild to severe intellectual disability completed the FAB, which included six executive tasks, pertaining to three different domains. Their ages ranged from 18 to 50 years. Results: FAB scores were significantly decreased in the study participants. The analyses showed that both main domains and specific executive tasks were differently affected in their levels of functioning in terms of age, aetiology and severity of intellectual disability. Conclusions: The FAB can provide screening information on executive functioning in intellectual disabilities and can help trace dys-executive profiles in adults.