Abstract

Executive function, a cognitive ability closely related to the core deficit areas of autism spectrum disorders, necessitates a thorough understanding of every child’s profile and provision of appropriate support. This study aimed to review the latest research trends and analyze the interventions targeting the enhancement of executive function in children with autism spectrum disorders. In accordance with the criteria, a total of 29 experimental studies were selected. An overview of general characteristics and a detailed analysis of specific intervention attributes were conducted. Executive function intervention studies among children with autism spectrum disorders have been underway since 2004, mostly in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, targeting primary school-aged children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. The most used interventions were cognitive behavioral/instructional strategies (CBIS) and exercise and movement (EXM). Notably, a high proportion of interventions were used to facilitate flexibility and inhibition subcategories of the executive function. Based on the findings, the future directions and educational implications regarding intervention aimed at enhancing executive function in children with autism spectrum disorders were discussed.

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