Advances and Challenges in the Assessment of Executive Functions in Under 36 Months: a Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives

Neurodevelopmental disorders present deficits in executive functions (EFs). Before 36 months old, EFs act as basic abilities that allow adequate executive functioning at later ages. Three basic EFs are assessable before the child reaches 36 months old: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. This review aims to provide an overview of the progress and difficulties in assessing these three basic executive functions before children reach 36 months old.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched without time or language limitations. The selection process was done using a PRISMA flowchart for scoping reviews. Sixteen studies were included, all in English and published between 2004 and 2021.

Results

Out of 277 studies, 16 met the inclusion criteria. The general data of the studies were summarized, such as sample age, type of study, measurement features, types of EFs assessed, task names, internal structure, reliability, and main contributions. The findings on available tasks and scales, factor structure, biological and environmental factors, and the variables influencing EFs before 36 months old are described.

Conclusions

Multiple factors influenced the evolution of EFs. The unidimensional model seems to better explain EFs before 36 months old. Expanding psychometric research with large samples and studying samples of children with symptoms at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders may help to improve the measurement of EFs before 36 months old.