Longitudinal changes in executive function in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analyses

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Child Psychiatry

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with executive function (EF) impairments.
• Existing research presents mixed findings on how age impacts EF in individuals with ASD versus those with typical development (TD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze longitudinal studies comparing age-related EF changes in ASD and TD groups.
• To determine if EF trajectories differ between autistic and neurotypical children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of 14 longitudinal studies with meta-analyses (N=518 ASD, N=3558 TD).
• Random-effects and Bayesian meta-analyses of EF domains (working memory, inhibition, shifting, planning).

Main Results:

• Individuals with ASD demonstrated poorer EF at baseline and follow-up compared to TD.
• No significant group differences were found in the age-related changes of EF across analyzed domains.
• Bayesian analyses supported the null hypothesis of similar EF changes over time between ASD and TD groups.

Conclusions:

• Autistic children and adolescents exhibit EF development trajectories similar to their neurotypical peers.
• Findings support early EF training and intervention for autistic children and adolescents.
• Limitations include a scarcity of longitudinal data and a narrow focus on developmental stages and EF constructs.