Executive Function and Autism

Executive function is a set of mental processes that helps people connect past experience with present action.

Executive function includes activities such as planning, working memory, and monitoring of actions.

It also includes mental flexibility, initiation of actions, impulse control and inhibition. 

Many people on the autism spectrum are reported to have impaired executive function.

For example, some people on the autism spectrum may be very impulsive or unable to think ahead.

Related Glossaries

• Executive Function

Related Publications

• Demetriou E. A. et al. Autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis of executive function. Molecular Psychiatry. Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Gargaro B. et al. (2011) Autism and ADHD: how far have we come in the comorbidity debate? Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. 35(5), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Hosenbocus S., Chahal R. (2012) A review of executive function deficits and pharmacological management in children and adolescents. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 21(3), Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Jeste S. S., Nelson C. A. I. (2009) Event related potentials in the understanding of autism spectrum disorders: An analytical review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 39(3), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Pellicano E. (2012) The development of executive function in autism. Autism Research and Treatment. Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Pisula E. (2010) The autistic mind in the light of neuropsychological studies. Acta Neurobioligael Experimentalis (Warsaw).. 70(2), Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Ploog B. (2011) Stimulus overselectivity four decades later: a review of the literature and its implications for current research in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 40(11), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Russo N. M. et al. (2007) Deconstructing executive deficits among persons with autism: Implications for cognitive neuroscience. Brain and Cognition. Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Sun J., Buys N. (2012) Early executive function deficit in preterm children and its association with neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood: a literature review. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 24(4), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• White S. (2013) The Triple I Hypothesis: taking another('s) perspective on executive dysfunction in autism Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 43(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  

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Updated

18 Jun 2018