Executive Function in High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis of fMRI Studies

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Executive functions (EF) are crucial cognitive processes.
• EF deficits are recognized clinical markers in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The precise neural underpinnings of EF abnormalities in ASD require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the construct of executive function in ASD.
• To examine abnormalities in EF across the lifespan in individuals with ASD.
• To explore age-related changes in EF within the ASD population.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of 33 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies.
• Included participants with high-functioning ASD (n=1114, ages 7-57).
• Focused on EF tasks: inhibition, updating, and switching.

Main Results:

• The EF construct in children/adolescents with ASD appeared unitary (common EF).
• In adults with ASD, the EF construct was both unitary (common EF) and diverse (common EF and inhibition).
• Consistent EF abnormalities were observed in individuals with ASD compared to typically developing individuals throughout development.

Conclusions:

• The structure of executive function in ASD evolves with age.
• Executive function deficits are a pervasive characteristic of ASD across developmental stages.
• Findings inform EF theory and practical interventions for ASD.