Executive Functioning
Contents
Executive Functioning
Deficits in executive functioning, or the ability to do voluntary planned behavior or complex tasks, is broadly seen in both adults and children with ASD. Many researchers believe that executive dysfunction is caused by brain system abnormalities affecting complex information processing. Executive Functioning is thought to have Working Memory and Response Inhibition components. Furthermore, some believe that the deficit in executive functioning is the main reason behind the core deficits in ASD.1
Many believe that this may be linked to Gray Matter and White Matter differences seen in those with autism. Postmortem studies show a decreased gray matter to white matter ratio when compared to control subjects. Specific areas which had smaller ratios were lobules VI-VII which are mostly made up of gray matter. However, there were no differences once IQ was controlled for.
Deficits in executive functioning have been shown to persist for those with autism on a group level in longitudinal studies, but not for every individual.2,3,4
Executive Function and Theory of Mind
Executive functioning, along with its theorized components of working memory and response inhibition, have been shown to correlate with performance on Theory of Mind tasks.5,6 Furthermore, success on tasks in response inhibition predicted preschoolers' later success on false-belief tasks.The exact relationship that exists between executive functioning and theory of mind is unknown, though there is a strong link between the two. Some propose executive functioning abilities are underlie theory of mind abilities, while others propose the opposite. Some believe that both are related because of neuroanatomic proximity.6
Hypothesis |
---|