What Is Executive Functioning?

Most people do these things without thinking about it; however, people with executive function disorder struggle with these tasks --

• Inhibition - the ability to stop a behavior, action, or thought at the right time.



• Shift - the ability to think flexibly and respond respond appropriately to the situation.



• Emotional Control - the ability to understand and engage in group dynamics, including waiting turns during conversations.



• Initiation - the ability to independently generate solutions, strategies, and ideas.



• Working memory - the ability to remember and memorize.



• Planning/Organization - The ability to evaluate progress and changing course when needed.



• Organization of Materials - ability to plan and organize, keeping track of time, being able to accomplish more than one thing at a time.



• Self-Monitoring - the ability to recalling past knowledge and use it in a current situation, and seeking out additional resources or information or asking for help when needed.

It's unfortunate, but students with executive functioning deficits such as forgetfulness and lack of organization skills are often punished. Hopefully, now that more research is being published, parents and teachers will recognize the symptoms for what they are and develop strategies to help students cope.

To adults child play looks like time spent doing nothing much, but play actually build cognitive skills. Some research indicates that free play is critical in instilling executive function skills.

Here's an example. Remember playing Freeze as a child? When the music stops you freeze in place. That simple game taught you to control your impulses. Unfortunately, the way children play today has changed.

Research shows the best kind of play is free and only requires imagination. Children develop cognitive skills (including executive function) when they rely on themselves for play and not props like video games.

Students can do their best and still not succeed in school, so here are some teaching strategies to help them be successful--

• Children with executive functioning disorders do not necessarily know the next logical step, so give clear sequential instructions.


• Provide visual clues and review them frequently.


• Make use of planners. They reduce stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.


• Use both written and verbal instructions.


• Create a daily routine. Familiarity makes things easier.


• Create 'to do' lists to help students stay on track.


• Dividg big assignments into smaller tasks and make use of timelines to avoid overwhelm.


• Keep clutter to a minimum.


• If possible, have different work areas for different activities. Stock each area with its own set of supplies.