Executive Functioning
A set of cognitive skills that include problem solving, deduction, ability to multi-task, organize, focus, hold attention to complete tasks, initiate an activity, show and use self-control and regulate emotions
There are many components of executive functioning
Flexible Thinking
Being able to adjust your response to fit the situation and think about it in a new way
Set Shifting
The ability to let go of the old way of doing something and use a new way to complete it
Inhibition
The ability to control your response to a situation and choose an appropriate response
Initiation
The ability to begin a task, generate ideas and identify
problem solving strategies needed to complete the task
Emotional Control/Self Monitoring
The ability to modulate an emotional response to a situation and adjust an emotional response to a situation
Working Memory
The ability to hold information in your mind needed to complete a task
Pre-Planning
The ability to think ahead and use strategies for completion of tasks
Organization
The ability to sequence multiple parts into a cohesive product
A scientific study concluded "early intervention targeting executive functioning impairments [in children with ADHD] was important to prevent long-term negative outcomes" and their "results showed that after intervention, the children with ADHD presented better performances of executive functioning both in neuropsychological tests... and reports of daily life"
Check out the Shuai et al. study here.
According to another scientific study, executive functioning "significantly predicts all six academic achievement measures [general knowledge, mathematics, word-reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, phonological awareness]" and predicts fall-spring improvement in mathematics and phonological awareness.
Check out the Cameron et al. study here.
A third scientific study determined "overall, poorer executive functioning was associated with increased playground isolation and less engagement with peers. This suggests that metacognitive skills such as initiation, working memory and planning and organization are associated with children's social functioning"
Check out the Freeman et al. study here.
Occupational Therapy helps improve visual perception skills.
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