Different approaches stood out for thinking skills in autistic young people
A network meta-analysis compared exercise, cognitive behavioral approaches and task training, with different patterns across executive-function outcomes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Exercise showed a favorable pattern for overall executive function and inhibitory control, while cognitive behavioral approaches appeared stronger for working memory. Executive-function task training also showed positive effects. These are outcome-specific comparisons, and the abstract does not provide the effect sizes or certainty ratings needed to judge how convincing or meaningful the apparent advantages are.
This abstract-based summary lacks numerical comparisons, confidence intervals and follow-up times. Although the authors assessed evidence certainty, they do not report those ratings, so the reliability of the comparative findings remains unclear.
Several skills were assessed
The review examined overall executive function alongside inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory. Exercise also showed some effects on flexibility and working memory, illustrating why a broad ranking can obscure differences between outcomes.
Rankings have limits
The analysis used a statistical ranking method to compare interventions across trials. A favorable ranking does not establish which approach will suit an individual child, and the abstract leaves combined programs for future research.
The original publication
A network meta-analysis of the effects of different rehabilitation intervention strategies on executive function in children and adolescents.
Li L, Wang C, Wang Z et al.
Eur J Pediatr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40999094
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.