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Executive function in children with neurodevelopmental conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Ayesha K. Sadozai

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

  • Carter Sun

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

  • Eleni A. Demetriou

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

  • Amit Lampit

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Martha Munro

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

  • Nina Perry

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

  • Kelsie A. Boulton

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

  • Adam J. Guastella

    (University of Sydney
    University of Sydney)

Abstract

Executive function (EF) delays are well documented in paediatric neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs). There is no consensus about whether EF delay represents a transdiagnostic feature of NDCs. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized 180 studies reporting two or more NDC comparisons on EF, examined differences between NDCs, and the moderating effects of gender, age, publication year, DSM editions and assessment types. Studies using established EF measures across seven domains (attention, fluency, set-shifting, set-switching, response inhibition, planning and working memory) in participants under 18 were included. Summary effects were compared: (1) for all reported NDCs relative to control, (2) for each individual NDC relative to control and (3) between NDC groups. Results confirmed that EF delay was a transdiagnostic feature of neurodevelopmental delay, with a moderate effect size of delay across all NDCs (g = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.63) compared with control. This effect increased with comorbidities (g = 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.86), DSM-5 criteria and informant measures. Comparisons between NDCs revealed few differences: children with tic disorders (TD) showed smaller EF delays, children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed larger delays in attention, response inhibition, planning and working memory compared with TD and specific learning disorders, while children with autism spectrum disorders showed greater delays on set-switching compared with ADHD. Findings support transdiagnostic models of neurodevelopment to further a developmentally sensitive science that can reveal how EF delays contribute to brain circuitry, symptom profiles and functioning, and ultimately support early interventions and outcomes for all children with NDCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayesha K. Sadozai & Carter Sun & Eleni A. Demetriou & Amit Lampit & Martha Munro & Nina Perry & Kelsie A. Boulton & Adam J. Guastella, 2024. "Executive function in children with neurodevelopmental conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(12), pages 2357-2366, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:8:y:2024:i:12:d:10.1038_s41562-024-02000-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-02000-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew J Page & Joanne E McKenzie & Patrick M Bossuyt & Isabelle Boutron & Tammy C Hoffmann & Cynthia D Mulrow & Larissa Shamseer & Jennifer M Tetzlaff & Elie A Akl & Sue E Brennan & Roger Chou & Jul, 2021. "The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Alessandro Liberati & Douglas G Altman & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Cynthia Mulrow & Peter C Gøtzsche & John P A Ioannidis & Mike Clarke & P J Devereaux & Jos Kleijnen & David Moher, 2009. "The PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation and Elaboration," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-28, July.
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