Executive function predicts academic and social skills in autistic kindergartners based on a multimodal approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Executive functions (EF) are cognitive processes that underlie goal-directed abilities and behaviors which have been found to be variable in autistic children. While EFs are well-established predictors of academic and social outcomes in neurotypical children, it is unclear if these same associations are true for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined the relation between EF and academic and social skills in cognitively able, verbal kindergarteners with ASD, while using a multimeasurement approach to EF skills.

Methods

Participants included 67 autistic children aged 4-6 years longitudinally followed from kindergarten entry to exit. Children's EF was measured using a multimodal assessment approach with a computerized EF battery, behavioral

SUBMITTER: Choi B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12812794 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature