Executive Functioning Overview
So what is executive functioning?
EF is an umbrella term for the many cognitive processes (higher-order thinking) that individuals use to self-regulate, control behavior, accomplish tasks, adapt to environments, and respond to situations.
The front part of our brain is responsible for helping us get things done. It regulates our cognitive processes and helps us with things like planning and prioritizing, initiating a task, following through, controlling impulses and emotions, taking perspective, thinking flexibly, having strong working memory, being organized, and monitoring one’s self. These fall under three categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.
We develop EF over time through experience and learning, and our brains aren’t fully developed until our mid-twenties (though EF skills can be improved beyond that age). It can be hard for some people to understand why young people or people with a cognitive disability or mental health disorder that affects EF can’t get something done or can’t do something the “normal” way. It can look like laziness or indifference or even rudeness. While there could be other reasons, generally it’s not that they won’t do something, but that they can’t.
What does poor executive functioning look like?
EF challenges can present very differently from person to person and can change over time as environment and stressors change. Individuals with poor EF may experience fidgeting, interrupting, difficulty processing information, being chatty, lack of focus, hyperfocusing, trouble with abstract concepts, difficulty with attention (sustained, selective, alternating, divided), forgetting information or necessary materials, missing appointments, time blindness, analysis paralysis, challenges with routine, impulsivity, and procrastination.
What does poor executive function lead to? Executive dysfunction is often the root of the problem if you or your child have challenges completing homework or work tasks, are disorganized, get overwhelmed, have trouble solving problems, experience difficulty with motivation, have problems with time management, are avoidant or resistant, forget to do things, etc. It can lead to self-deprecating thoughts, poor relationships, low grades or other measures of success, and low self-esteem.
Can executive function be improved? Absolutely! We weren’t born with EF skills already intact, so they are obviously something we learn. Our brains keep developing into our twenties and remain plastic beyond that, meaning that we can develop new neural pathways at any time. With training and by developing compensatory strategies, individuals can learn how to manually do something requiring EF, and this can often become more automatic over time with practice. This is where I come in! With coaching tailored to your strengths, challenges, and environment, you can accomplish more, stress less, and enjoy more success!
