Performance-Based Executive Functions Predict Internalising but Not Externalising Maladaptive Behaviour in Students With ID.

The sample size was small (N = 45), leading to low statistical power for correlational analyses. The sample was not representative of all students with ID, as those with severe intellectual disabilities who could not complete performance-based tasks were excluded. Maladaptive behaviour was assessed only via teacher reports, not multi-perspective (e.g., parent) reports, which may miss internalising symptoms that occur outside school. The study used a preschool version of the BASC-3 for students with a mean age of 11.82 years, which may not adequately capture symptoms in older or higher-functioning students. The customised executive function measures had limited established reliability and validity, particularly for working memory which had low internal consistency. The study was correlational, so it cannot determine causality between executive functions and maladaptive behaviour. Students were referred to special schools based on pedagogical assessment, not necessarily meeting medical diagnostic criteria for ID.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Do not interpret the significant prediction of anxiety by inhibition or internalising behaviour by working memory as evidence that targeting these executive functions will reduce symptoms. The study is cross-sectional and correlational, so it cannot determine whether executive function deficits cause maladaptive behaviour or vice versa.