Early delay of gratification predicts later inhibitory control and academic performance in children with prenatal alcohol exposure

Authors

Erik de Water, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Alyssa M. Krueger, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Christopher W. Lindgren, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Anita J. Fuglestad, University of North FloridaFollow
Madeline N. Rockhold, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Kristin E. Sandness, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Judith K. Eckerle, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Birgit A. Fink, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Christopher J. Boys, University of Minnesota Twin CitiesFollow
Jeffrey R. Wozniak, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects 2–5% of the children in the United States. In the preschool age-range, inhibitory deficits frequently manifest as impaired ability to delay gratification, which is associated with deficits in cognitive flexibility in these children. The goal of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the ability to delay gratification in preschool children with FASD is (1) associated with broader manifestations in temperament and behavior; (2) predictive of later inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory in middle childhood; and (3) predictive of later parent-reported behavioral problems and school functioning in middle childhood. Forty-seven children with FASD, ages 2.5–5 years were administered a delay of gratification task in which they chose between receiving 2 snacks immediately or 10 snacks after waiting for 10 min. Two groups were defined based on a median split of waiting time. Four years later, 29 children completed measures of inhibitory control (Flanker task), cognitive flexibility (Dimensional Change Card Sort Test), and working memory (Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales), and their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist as a measure of the child’s behavioral problems and school functioning. Children with longer wait times on the delay of gratification task in preschool showed better inhibitory control on the Flanker task in middle childhood and better parent-reported school functioning in English. These findings indicate that early inhibitory capacity persists into middle childhood in those with FASD, and may be a promising target for early intervention to improve later cognitive outcomes in these children.

Publication Title

Child Neuropsychology

Volume

27

Issue

1

First Page

109

Last Page

124

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/09297049.2020.1798372

ISSN

09297049

E-ISSN

17444136

Citation Information

Erik de Water, Alyssa M. Krueger, Christopher W. Lindgren, Anita J. Fuglestad, Madeline N. Rockhold, Kristin E. Sandness, Judith K. Eckerle, Birgit A. Fink, Christopher J. Boys & Jeffrey R. Wozniak (2021) Early delay of gratification predicts later inhibitory control and academic performance in children with prenatal alcohol exposure, Child Neuropsychology, 27:1, 109-124, DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2020.1798372