What is Executive Function?
Executive function (EF) refers to a set of cognitive or brain-based skills that help you get things done. Executive function is what helps us focus, remember important stuff, and plan ahead. It’s the behind-the-scenes magic that makes school, chores, and life run smoothly. For kids dealing with executive dysfunction, the challenge of keeping up with daily demands can be debilitating. Those who struggle with executive dysfunction may underperform in school despite their strong intellectual potential, demonstrate frequent forgetfulness, and have difficulty organizing tasks or ideas. These challenges can significantly impact their academic performance, relationships, and ability to manage responsibilities.Defining the 10 Executive Functions
The ADHD Classics
Working memory Working memory refers to the brain's capacity to hold and manipulate information temporarily while completing a task. It helps children follow multi-step directions, solve problems, and retain information long enough to use it. For example, remembering and executing a teacher’s instructions to “write your name, answer the first five questions using a pencil” relies on working memory. Planning and prioritization Planning and organization involve setting goals and determining the best approach to achieve them. It includes identifying tasks, organizing them logically, and focusing on what’s most important. For example, planning how to study for multiple tests over a week involves this executive function. Organization Organization is the ability to effectively create and maintain systems for managing tasks, materials, and information. Organized children can keep track of homework, ensure their school supplies are in order, and follow a structured routine without unnecessary confusion or stress. Time Management Time management is the skill of allocating time appropriately to complete tasks without rushing or missing deadlines. Effective time management helps children transition between activities smoothly, complete assignments on time, and plan for both short-term and long-term projects.The Anti-Procrastination Skills
Task initiation (or Getting Started) The ability to start a task promptly without procrastination or avoidance is called task initiation. Children with strong task initiation can recognize when it’s time to begin and overcome any resistance or uncertainty. For example, starting a research project as soon as it’s assigned shows effective task initiation. Sustained attention (or Focus & Follow-Through) This is the ability to stay focused on a task or activity despite distractions, fatigue, or boredom. Sustained attention is essential for completing homework, reading a book, or staying engaged in a long classroom lesson.The Higher Level Skills
Self-Control (impulsivity prevention) Do you know someone who has difficulty waiting their turn in a conversation? A friend who doesn’t seem to have a filter and says whatever’s on their mind? These could be signs of limited response inhibition. Response inhibition is the ability to pause and think before acting. This skill helps children resist impulsive behaviors and responses and helps them make thoughtful decisions. Emotional control Emotional control refers to the ability to manage and regulate emotional responses, especially in challenging or unexpected situations. This skill helps children handle frustration, criticism, or setbacks without inappropriately heightened reactions. For example, a child who receives a disappointing grade but remains calm and discusses ways to improve demonstrates good emotional control. Mental Flexibility This is the capacity to adapt to new situations or modify plans when circumstances change. Flexibility allows children to adjust their strategies or expectations when faced with obstacles, such as revising a science project when the initial experiment doesn’t work. Metacognition (or self-awareness) Metacognition is the ability to think about and monitor your own thinking processes. It involves being aware of how you learn, plan, and solve problems, and using that awareness to improve your cognitive strategies. Executive dysfunction affects a child’s ability to regulate thoughts, emotions, and actions, making everyday tasks more challenging. It’s often linked to conditions like ADHD. With proper support, your child can learn strategies to support executive dysfunction and build habits to help them succeed in school and future careers.The Neuroscience Behind Executive Function
Executive function skills rely on a network of interconnected brain regions. Key brain areas involved include the prefrontal cortex for decision-making and emotional input, the basal ganglia for habits and rewards, and the posterior and subcortical regions to integrate sensory information. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine play vital roles in processes such as attention, memory, and adaptability. When these systems don’t function as expected, challenges in executive functioning can arise. While executive dysfunction is commonly associated with ADHD, it can also be related to other factors. For example, research shows that genetics highly influences some executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and regulating behavior. Trauma can also significantly affect executive functions by altering key brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Impairment to these areas of the brain may lead to weakened concentration, memory, decision-making, or emotional regulation. Are you unsure if your child has executive dysfunction? Consider observing how they approach chores, perform schoolwork, and navigate relationships, then ask yourself the following questions.- Can your child follow multi-step instructions effectively?
- Is your child able to meet deadlines for homework or projects?
- How does your child respond to problems or changes in routine?
- Can your child manage conversations without interrupting?
- How does your child handle conflicts with family or friends?
