Executive Function Profiles of Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Executive Function Performance Based Tasks: a Systematic Review
Year: 2020
Type: review
Abstract: Evidence of executive dysfunction among ASD population is still inconclusive, despite of extensive research literature. The objective of this study is to explore the profile of executive dysfunction across the life span of ASD population, which will assist in diagnoses and necessary intervention.
Method
The electronic database Google Scholar, Pub Med and Scopus were searched to identify studies which were published between 2014 to Feb end 2020. Those have compared executive profile of ASD, with typically developed children. The quality of each paper was assessed by critical appraisal skills programme (2018). Executive Function Deficit Metric(EFDM) was used to quantify the results. Results were reported as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis) guidelines. A total of 29 papers consisting 60 studies, comprising 2600 participants were included (N, ASD=1265, Control=1335) to know the executive function profiles.
Results
Significance difference was found in Working Memory(EFDM=5.98), Inhibition(EFDM=3.18), Cognitive Flexibility (EFDM=6.86) and Planning (EFDM>>>1) on children studies. Inconclusive results were observed on adult studies due to small number of studies (n=3).
Conclusion
This study confirms a broad executive dysfunction in ASD children but satisfactory evidences were not available on adult studies. Multi-dimensional approach should be used to measure executive function among ASD population for diagnoses and treatment purposes.
Source: Journal of Critical Reviews
Authors: Kanwaljit Kaur, Sesadeba Pany
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3094258912