Choi, Boin Lee, Haeun Kuhn, Laura Kim, Jeongjin Hong, Seok-Jun Di Martino, Adriana Gozzi, Alessandro Lombardo, Michael V. Morrison, Frederick J. Lord, Catherine Kim, So Hyun 2025-09-04T01:30:17Z 2025-09-04T01:30:17Z 2025-09-04 2026-02 0021-9630 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/153108 Background Executive functions (EF) are cognitive processes that underlie goal-directed abilities and behaviors which have been found to be variable in autistic children. While EFs are well-established predictors of academic and social outcomes in neurotypical children, it is unclear if these same associations are true for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined the relation between EF and academic and social skills in cognitively able, verbal kindergarteners with ASD, while using a multimeasurement approach to EF skills. Methods Participants included 67 autistic children aged 4–6 years longitudinally followed from kindergarten entry to exit. Children's EF was measured using a multimodal assessment approach with a computerized EF battery, behavioral observation, and parent report. Academic achievement and social skills were evaluated through a standardized assessment and parent report, respectively. Multiple regression models were conducted to explore the associations of EF with academic and social outcomes, while controlling for key demographic factors (e.g. age, sex, nonverbal IQ). Results EF, measured through the computerized battery, was significantly associated with math achievement when controlling for age, sex, and nonverbal IQ, both concurrently and longitudinally. EF difficulties, as reported by parents, were closely linked to current and later parent-reported peer play challenges. Conclusions These findings indicate that EF may be critical foundational skills for school success in young autistic children at school transition. Therefore, targeted EF interventions could be a powerful way to optimize academic and social development in autistic kindergarteners. The results also highlight the importance of a multimeasurement approach to EF assessment, as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the broader impact of EF on key developmental outcomes in ASD. English Blackwell Publishing Inc. Executive function predicts academic and social skills in autistic kindergartners based on a multimodal approach Article 10.1111/jcpp.70038 1 The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, v.67, no.2, pp.225 - 237 The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 67 2 225 237 Y scie ssci scopus 001558485000001 2-s2.0-105014167232 Psychology, Developmental Psychiatry Psychology Psychology Psychiatry Article SPECTRUM DISORDER SCHOOL READINESS SELF-REGULATION PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN FUNCTION DEFICITS AGED CHILDREN ATTENTION CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATIONS Autism spectrum disorder executive function academic achievement social skills