Disorder of Executive Function in Autistic Children

Abstract

The dynamics of changes in the executive function was examined in autistic children during their middle and late childhood. The executive function relates to the ability of self-regulation including attention, motor reactions, resistance to distractions and delay of gratification. As noted by a number of authors autistic persons show considerable difficulties in this respect. Significant progressive changes in the development of executive functions were observed in the examined children. It allows the conclusion that autistic children are able to acquire an ability to change their former behaviours. They are, therefore, able to refrain from awaiting immediate gratification, and capable of understanding that a previous rule may be changed for another one.