Executive function is the ability to complete mental processes and tasks. It is multidimensional and includes the following:

• Initiation (beginning a task or activity and independently generating ideas)
• Planning and Organisation: anticipating future events, setting goals, and developing appropriate steps ahead of time to carry out a plan
• Shifting: moving freely from one situation or activity to another, solving problems flexibly
• Working Memory: holding information in mind for the purposes of completing a task
• Inhibition: controlling impulses, appropriately stopping one’s own behaviour at the proper time
• Emotional Control: appropriately modulating emotional responses
• Organisation of Materials: keeping work space, bedroom, and materials in an orderly manner
• Monitoring: checking work for errors and tracking how one’s own behaviour impacts others

Challenges with executive functioning can make education, work, socialising and daily tasks difficult. Research has suggested that challenges with executive functioning are common amongst the autistic community, although they are not part of the diagnostic criteria. Autistic brains may process information in a different way to non-autistic brains. Autistic individuals describe not having an automatic priority filter, meaning that everything gets processed all of the time, leading to chaos and overload and executive functioning differences.

However, research has shown a link between autism and an increase in novel thinking and creative thinking, with autistic people being found to problem solve faster than neurotypical individuals in these situations. It has also been reported that autistic people are less likely to make irrational decisions, and are less influenced by gut instincts. Consistency in pattern of choices and attention to detail may help to avoid being swayed by emotions.