Executive function deficits in autism spectrum disorder analyzed through parental perspectives

Executive function (EF) challenges pose difficulties to everyday functioning and autonomy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While research has investigated these impairments, results remain inconsistent regarding which aspects of EF (i.e., response inhibition, working memory, and mental flexibility) are most prominent, particularly in applied contexts. Much research has focused on laboratory settings or clinical assessments that may not fully capture the daily challenges faced by individuals with ASD. The current study is looking at parental perspectives on how EF deficits manifest in everyday life for individuals with ASD, particularly concerning social communication. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 parents of individuals with ASD (aged 14–25 years) to understand parental views on the EF challenges faced by their adolescent and young adult offspring. Thematic analysis is employed with ATLAS.ti to identify key themes that reflect the real-life challenges associated with EF deficits. The results showed that response inhibition, especially impulsivity and interruptions, has potential risks on social interactions and academic performance, usually leading to social isolation. Deficits in working memory brought challenging outcomes of their own; the issues of retention, comprehension, and preparation difficulties were more salient. Mental flexibility challenges presented considerable obstacles to both academic and social situations and included task switching and adaptation to changed circumstances. The deficits in response inhibition, working memory, and mental flexibility made a significant contribution to the challenges of social communication and overall functioning in individuals with ASD, highlighting the importance of specific interventions.