Is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.
Published in Chapter:
Executive Functions in Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorders: Research, Intervention, Psychoeducation, and Application of Multidisciplinary Approaches
Nancy A. Walker (Grand Canyon University, USA), Manisha Sharma (Grand Canyon University, USA), and Ashwini Tiwari (University of Houston-Downtown, USA)
Copyright: © 2022
|Pages: 22
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-9075-1.ch011
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder in which “executive functions” are affected. In conjunction with this book's overall scope, this chapter establishes a multidisciplinary context to discuss intervention and best practices affecting ASD. This chapter aims to tie together the history, cognitive functioning awareness, theoretical underpinnings, and assessment of executive functions in ASD. The authors will also provide a detailed and up-to-date understanding of recent research that connects childhood ASD to executive dysfunctions. Additionally, this chapter will also provide an understanding of existing intervention strategies from psychoeducational to psychological domains as pertains to executive functioning in ASD.