Timing of Childhood Adversity and Cognitive Profiles in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigated 161 autistic adults without intellectual disability, categorizing them by timing of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and comparing cognitive abilities using standardized intelligence testing. Results indicated that early ACE exposure (≤10 years) was associated with different performance patterns on specific cognitive subtests compared to adolescent ACE exposure, with differences persisting even after controlling for PTSD symptom severity.