Is cognitive inflexibility a missing link? The role of cognitive inflexibility, alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty in externalising and internalising behaviours in young people with autism spectrum disorder.

The finding of a direct pathway from CI to externalising behaviours is novel, as is the indirect role of CI in internalising symptomatology. Of the three cognitive mechanisms examined, only CI significantly predicted externalising symptoms. Possible implications for interventions and supports targeting these cognitive processes in ASD are discussed.