Objective: To analyse the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive function in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),so as to provide a theoretical basis and specific guidance for the clinical cognitive function rehabilitation practice of ASD children. Methods: Relevant literature on the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive function in children with ASD were searched in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases from their inception to March 2024 using specific subject terms. Information on authors, countries, publication dates, study populations, diagnostic criterion, interventions, measurement tools and study results were extracted postscreening. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the PEDro Scale, followed by a systematic review. Results: A total of seventeen articles and were included in the study and English literature, most of them were of good quality. The study included 10 randomized controlled trials, 4 quasiexperimental designs, and 3 preand posttest designs. The rehabilitative effects of physical activity on children with ASD were primarily observed in enhanced attention and executive function, as well as improvements in brain structure and function. Children with ASD showed varying cognitive effects in physical and skillbased programs, with skillbased activities like basketball and table tennis notably improving cognitive function. Conclusion Physical activity is an effective intervention that enhances cognitive abilities such as attention and executive function, as well as brain structure and function in children with ASD.