What Are the Executive Functions? A Guide to the Different Types of Executive Functioning Skills
Did you know that the brain houses more than 10 billion neurons that communicate with each other through electrical impulses? These neurons group together based on their functions, helping the body to perceive, interpret and interact with the surrounding world. We think of some of these functions as executive functions.
Executive functions are necessary skills to help us throughout our lives. The better trained our executive functions, the better able we are to manage our lives.
The Brain's Management System
Executive functions are understood as the mind's management system. Without well-developed executive functions, it's hard for a person to achieve goals.
Executive Functioning controls three areas: Self-regulation (otherwise known as inhibitory control), working memory (the ability to recall), and flexibility (otherwise known as problem-solving). These areas can then be broken down further into the following skills:
Working memory
Adaptable thinking
Self-control/self-monitoring
Planning
Time management
Organization
Keep in mind that children aren't born with executive function skills. They need support in the development of these important skills. In fact, these are skills that are developed through activities including sports, school, art, and even other after-school activities. And, they continue to develop as human beings grow through a person's early twenties. In fact, executive functioning is considered our brain’s engine for “success” and “thriving.”
Working Memory
Working memory is the executive function that helps us retain information and use it for an immediate task. It's this memory that helps a child hear directions and turn around and follow them.
If a child has trouble remembering what a teacher told them, it makes following through on a task difficult. This part of the memory is for short-term use. It's also for organizing new information for long-term storage.
Problems with attention often look like issues with working memory. If a child has difficulty paying attention, it's likely he'll struggle with working memory too. In the classroom, this often takes the form of an inability to follow instructions.
If a teacher issues a string of instructions, a child may only remember the first or last instruction. If you think your child has an issue with attention or memory, it's a good idea to have an assessment.
Adaptable Thinking
Adaptable thinking helps us adjust to new and different situations. Some children have no trouble adapting to changes. Their thinking is flexible, and they can come up with solutions to simple obstacles.
Other children struggle with any sort of change and have trouble when it comes to problem-solving. These children often seem rigid in their thinking and try the same bad solutions over and over.
Adaptable thinking is an important life skill that holds us back if we don't develop it. Is your child having trouble with this skill? It often translates into specific behaviors such as:
Frustration when things go wrong
Anger when others don't follow rules
Struggling with new or difficult tasks
Not accepting of others' ideas
Arguing about the same thing again and again
Anxiety when plans change
Frustration when even small things go wrong
It's not uncommon for every child to exhibit some of these behaviors. Does your child exhibit a lot of these behaviors on an ongoing basis? He may have some developmental issues.
Inhibitory Control/Self-Control
Self-control is important for children and adults. It takes time to develop self-control. It's not unusual for young children to lash out in a temper tantrum.
Restraint from physical and emotional outbursts helps both children and adults reach goals. It allows a child to grow from constructive criticism instead of shutting down.
Children who overreact to every poor outcome don't learn from their mistakes. They often get stuck the there's an obstacle.
Monitoring and managing emotions is an important executive-level function. It serves both children and adults well.
Time Management
Time management is important for children but even more important for teens and adults. Developing time management skills helps with productivity and goal attainment later in life.
Time management helps a child move from one task to another while completing tasks on time. Maintaining patience throughout tasks is part of time-management skills.
Organization
The ability to organize is crucial, especially in today's complicated world. Does your child immediately understand how to organize her classes through the use of folders or another system?
Can she tell a story in a coherent manner? Does she keep track of her pens, pencils, and other possessions? These are signs of developing organizational skills.
Does your child display constant struggles with the organization? This could be a sign of problems developing executive functions.
What Causes Executive Functioning Issues?
It was thought that only people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) had difficulty or delays in developing executive functions. Today, we now understand that ADHD is not the only associated learning difference. Children with inattention or working memory often also experience delays in acquiring executive functioning skills.
However, more and more we are seeing traditional learners with delays in the development of executive functioning skills tied to technology, distraction, and attention development.
What You Can Do
Because children aren't born with executive function skills, they need reinforcement, especially during the pandemic. So what can you as a parent do at home:
Environment: environmental distractions can be a definite cause. Removing distractions and creating routines around technology can ease the tension.
Maintain consistent routines. Create and maintain consistent routines with your children regarding meals, snacks, and bedtimes. Routines can be absolutely essential for reducing anxiety around scheduling and understanding expectations.
Activities. Creative play, social connections, and exercise are important for executive function skills. Often parents forget that sports and competition can be helpful for young people to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Make sure your children engage in these activities on a regular basis.
Developing Executive Functions
All children need help and support to develop excellent executive functions. Some children lag behind and may need a more personal approach than most schools offer.
If your child displays consistent issues with problem-solving skills, organization, and attention, it's a good idea to have him assessed. There are programs that can help your child develop the skills now that she'll need for future success in life.
Are you interested in a unique method for developing your child's executive function skills? Please contact us here.
