Early executive functioning predicts externalizing problems in neurodiverse preschoolers.
Katherine All, Katarzyna Chawarska, Suzanne L Macari
PMID 38476104WHAT IT FOUND
Poor emotional control at age 3 predicted externalizing problems at age 5 in neurodiverse preschoolers.
This link was strongest in children with lower autism symptom severity. Screening for executive functioning difficulties may help identify children who would benefit from early behavioral interventions.
Key findings
01Executive functioning impairment at age 3 significantly predicted externalizing problems at age 5.
02The Emotional Control subscale of the BRIEF-P was the strongest predictor, explaining more variance than the global executive functioning score.
03Higher autism symptom severity weakened the predictive link between executive functioning and later externalizing problems.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample size was relatively small, particularly the subgroup with ASD. Key measures relied on parent reports, which may introduce shared method variance. The study did not account for environmental factors like parenting style or home environment. Executive functioning was measured via questionnaires rather than lab-based tasks, which may not capture all aspects of cognitive function.
Declared interests
None declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that executive functioning screening is equally predictive for all children with autism. The study found that this link weakened as autism symptom severity increased, so traditional predictors may be less reliable for children with more profound autism symptoms.