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Data-Driven Subtyping of Executive Function-Related Behavioral Problems in Children.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Bathelt, Joe 
Holmes, Joni 
Astle, Duncan E 
Centre for Attention Learning and Memory (CALM) Team 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Executive functions (EF) are cognitive skills that are important for regulating behavior and for achieving goals. Executive function deficits are common in children who struggle in school and are associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there is also considerable heterogeneity across children, even within diagnostic categories. This study took a data-driven approach to identify distinct clusters of children with common profiles of EF-related difficulties, and then identified patterns of brain organization that distinguish these data-driven groups. METHOD: The sample consisted of 442 children identified by health and educational professionals as having difficulties in attention, learning, and/or memory. We applied community clustering, a data-driven clustering algorithm, to group children by similarities on a commonly used rating scale of EF-associated behavioral difficulties, the Conners 3 questionnaire. We then investigated whether the groups identified by the algorithm could be distinguished on white matter connectivity using a structural connectomics approach combined with partial least squares analysis. RESULTS: The data-driven clustering yielded 3 distinct groups of children with symptoms of one of the following: (1) elevated inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and poor EF; (2) learning problems; or (3) aggressive behavior and problems with peer relationships. These groups were associated with significant interindividual variation in white matter connectivity of the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices. CONCLUSION: In sum, data-driven classification of EF-related behavioral difficulties identified stable groups of children, provided a good account of interindividual differences, and aligned closely with underlying neurobiological substrates.

Description

Keywords

childhood, executive function, nosology, structural imaging, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brain, Child, Executive Function, Female, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Problem Behavior, Surveys and Questionnaires

Journal Title

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0890-8567
1527-5418

Volume Title

57

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
MRC (unknown)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00005/2)