Executive Function in ADHD and ASD: A Scoping Review

Executive functions are neurocognitive processes involved in regulating thought and action. It is unknown whether youth diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have similar executive functioning. This review aimed to synthesize the literature directly comparing executive functioning in youth with ASD, ADHD, and their comorbidity (ASD + ADHD). In the 58 included articles, ADHD and ASD exemplified impaired response inhibition, working memory, and attention compared to controls. There is little support that ASD + ADHD showed the combined deficits of the ASD and the ADHD groups, and these three groups cannot be easily identified based on EF executive function profiles alone. Further standardization of tasks and performance metrics are necessary to facilitate future evidence synthesis.