Executive Functions at the Core: Rethinking Neurodevelopmental Diagnoses

Antecedents: From a functional perspective, executive functions—such as self-regulation and meta-cognition—emerge as key dimensions affected transversally across various neurodevelopmental disorders. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze 11 and compare executive functioning profiles in children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, as reported by parents and teachers. It is hypothesized that children with 13 neurodevelopmental disorders exhibit executive function deficits, as measured by the BRIEF-P, in comparison to typically developing children. Methodology: Non-experimental methodology, ex post facto design, descriptive, cross-sectional evolution study. Participants: The normative sample is composed of 1.979 participants with typical (normotypical) development and 205 participants belonging to a clinical sample. Measurement: The instrumental development of EFs was evaluated using BRIEF-P by 19 key informants. Results: The highest F-values were observed in: (i) Working Memory: (a) Parents: [F = 195.76, p<.001]; (b) Teachers: [F= 199.63, p<.001]; (ii) Emergent Metacognition Index: (a) Parents: [F = 176.15, p <.001], (b) Teachers: [F = 187.87, p<.001]; (iii) Executive Function Global: (a) Parents: [F = 168.07, p<.001], (b) Teachers: [F = 207.47, p<.001]. Conclusions: This study provides a clear framework for identifying dysexecutive syndrome. Executive functioning is one of the most important abilities, and its disruption can lead to dysexecutive syndrome.