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Semin Speech Lang 2019; 40(04): 291-304
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692964
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Review of Language, Executive Function, and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Laura Friedman
1   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Audra Sterling
1   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 July 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Difficulties with both executive functions and language skills are common but variable in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Executive functions and language skills are related to one another, such that vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatics are related to domains of working memory, shifting, and inhibition in ASD, although the directionality of these relationships remains unclear. Moreover, interventions that target pragmatic ability have been found to improve executive function skills, and conversely, executive function interventions are linked with improvements in social skills in children with ASD. We review the literature on executive functions, language skills, and their relationship in ASD; discuss factors that may be driving inconsistent findings; and explore clinical applications from the research thus far.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorder - executive function - language - intervention

Disclosures

Financial: This work was supported in part by a training grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (T32 DC05359; PI: Susan Ellis Weismer), as well as a core grant to the Waisman Center from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U54 HD090256, PI: Qiang Chang).


Nonfinancial: No relevant relationships exist


 

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