Cognitive control is the ability to regulate thoughts and behaviour in relation to a behavioural goal. Braver (2012) proposed a framework of dual mechanisms of control whereby cognition can be separated into proactive and reactive control. Proactive control utilises top-down control in the maintenance of task goals which requires sustained attention and context cues. Alternatively, reactive control is concerned with bottom-up processes that detect and prevent interferences to reactivate task goals and is stimulus driven. However, there are differences in how cognitive control is demonstrated in individuals with ADHD and ASD as shown by previous research.
