Executive Function refers to the cognitive processes that help us control, regulate and manage our thoughts and actions, including working memory, planning, problem solving etc. (Joseph & Tager-Flusberg, 2004). It is the ability to hold and manipulate information, and is the conscious control of thought and action into goal-orientated behaviour (Pellicano, 2007). Most individuals on the autistic spectrum have some level of impaired executive function and exhibit rigid and inflexible behaviour, perseveration of behaviour and problems planning (Gilotty, Kenworthy, Sirian, Black & Wagner, 2002).
Ozonoff et al. (1991) compared a group of high-functioning autistic individuals to a clinical control group matched on age and gender, and found that
Ozonoff et al. (1991) compared a group of high-functioning autistic individuals to a clinical control group matched on age and gender, and found that