Executive function is a set of cognitive skills that are needed for self-control and managing behaviors. These skills include self-control, working memory, and mental flexibility. Such functions allow people to do things like follow directions, focus, control emotions, and attain goals. The executive functions’ role is similar to a conductor’s role within an orchestra. The conductor manages, directs, organizes, and integrates each member of the orchestra. They cue each musician so they know when to begin to play, and how fast or slow, loud or soft to play, and when to stop playing. Without the conductor, the music would not flow as smoothly or sound as beautiful.
You can think of executive function as the management system of the brain. These mental functions help us organize and manage the many tasks in our daily life. There are several primary types of executive functions. These functions each play their own important role, but also work in conjunction with one another to monitor and facilitate goal-directed behaviors. The basic areas of executive function are:
There are also a number of higher-level executive functions that rely on the basic lower-level functions. Some examples of higher-order executive functions include problem-solving, reasoning, fluid intelligence, and planning. Executive functions play an important role in many different areas of life. Some things that you do every day that are dependent on your executive functions include:
The executive functions play a critical role in a person's ability to function normally. When there are problems with these skills, people may struggle with different areas of life, including school, work, and relationships. For example, problems with executive function are common when people have ADHD. Declines in executive function are also a feature of dementia and may appear early in its course. Impairments in executive functions can have a major impact on the ability to perform such tasks as planning, prioritizing, organizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and controlling emotional reactions. People may experience problems in several key areas, including:
Like an orchestra, each of the executive functions works together in various combinations. When one area is impaired, it affects the others. If a student has deficits in one of these key executive functions, it can obviously interfere with school and academic performance. Difficulties with executive functions can affect people in different ways and to differing degrees of severity. Some problems that people may experience if they have executive function deficits include:
Many people struggle with one or more of these areas, but that does not necessarily mean that they have a mental health condition or learning disability. If problems with these skills are interfering with your ability to function normally or harming your relationships, it is important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional. Your difficulties might be caused by an underlying condition such as ADHD. People aren't born with executive function skills. They are something that develops as the brain grows. Such skills continue to develop and mature well into a person's teens and twenties. Many people find it empowering to understand why they are struggling with their relationships, work, or school. Others feel sad or angry that they struggle with tasks that other people seem to do effortlessly. The good news is there are things that you can do to improve your executive functioning and manage weaknesses that you have. Strategies that can help include:
Another thing that you can do is find ways to manage your stress levels. Stress can have a detrimental impact on executive functioning, so look for stress relief activities that work for you. If you have a diagnosed condition such as ADHD, you can also request accommodations at school and work that can help. Accommodations are designed to support you in the specific areas where you struggle. A few examples of accommodations include a reduced amount of homework (e.g., if the class is asked to do 20 math problems, you would be asked to do 10), extra time taking tests, help with reading assignments, permission to record lectures, and help with class notes. To receive help for your child, a good starting point is to speak to their teacher. The school is required by federal law to provide the additional services they need. If you are at college or university, visit the office for student disabilities. They will be able to assist you in setting up accommodations. |