Task oriented mind games impact on the cool executive function domain and social skills of children with low functioning autism spectrum disorder

Limited research exists on children with low-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly in India. To date, no interventions targeting cool executive functions have been investigated for this group in the Indian context. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of task-oriented mind games in enhancing cool executive functions and social skills in two children with low-functioning ASD - case A (low-functioning ASD) and case B (low-functioning ASD with comorbid anxiety). A time-interrupted series design was employed for both cases. Key findings revealed significant improvements in cool executive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, planning, and organisation) from pre-test to post-test, sustained through follow-up assessments. Case A showed a more pronounced reduction in the number of trials required for task completion compared to case B. Additionally, task-oriented mind games had lasting positive effects on both cool executive functions and social skills, while reducing anxiety-related behaviours in children with ASD.