الوظائف التنفيذية المنبئة بالسلوكيات النمطية التكرارية لدى أطفال ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد
The study aimed to determine whether dysfunction in executive functions predicts repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. To achieve the study's objectives, the researcher used a descriptive correlational approach. The study sample consisted of 89 children with autism spectrum disorder aged between 6 and 12 years. The researcher employed an executive function scale for children with autism spectrum disorder (developed by the researcher) and a repetitive stereotypic behaviors scale (developed by the researcher). The results indicated a statistically significant negative correlation between repetitive behaviors and their dimensions, and executive functions and their dimensions in children with autism spectrum disorder. It is possible to predict the level of repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder based on their executive functions. There is a superiority in the dimensions of executive functions in predicting the level of repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. There were no statistically significant differences in the level of executive functions and their dimensions in children with autism spectrum disorder according to gender. There were also no statistically significant differences in the level of repetitive behaviors and their dimensions in children with autism spectrum disorder according to gender. The study recommends designing guidance programs to develop executive functions and reduce repetitive stereotypic behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. (Published abstract)