https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/

https://www.learningsuccessblog.com/8-key-executive-functions-infograph

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The main eight executive functions are:

 

1. EMOTIONAL CONTROL

 

The ability to modulate or deal with feelings. In most cases rationalizing is inneffective. It can be used to understand them after the fact but you cannot rationalize away an emotion. This can cause talk therapies to be inneffective until some measure of emotional understanding is gained. Emotions can be repressed or not felt leaving the person with no access to them. Access can be gained through developing the mind body connection

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2. INHIBITION

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This is the ability to control ones own thoughts and actions. In individuals with ADHD actions can come before or without access to the thought that produced the action. The impulsive action seemingly comes out of nowhere. This is why mind-body techniques can be so effective for those with ADHD or those with inhibitory problems. Mind-body techniques develop access to the underlying thoughts and the ability to control them. Additionally, techniques to control sensory input are very helpful.

 

3. WORKING MEMORY

 

This is comprised of several forms of memory that all work together. Visual memory, visual memory manipulation, auditory memory, and spatial memory. These are all connected through spatial awareness.

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4. INITIATION

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The ability to start a task. Initiation can be difficult for many because of perfectionism. Anxiety caused by perfectionism will generally inhibit intiation. In other words, it causes procrastination.

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5. PLANNING AND PRIORITISATION

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This relies heavily on visual memory and visual memory manipulation. The ability to use imagination to see oneself carrying out tasks or seeing what will be needed during the process of carrying out tasks. For most people these processes ussually operate below the level of consciousness. For those lacking these skills they must be

developed at the conscious level before they can become automatic.

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6. SHIFT

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The ability to "Go with the flow". Being able to think and adjust as situations change. In the Eastern Arts this is a fundamental teaching. Individuals who have developed certainty as a top level emotional need will be lacking here. This is is due to attempting to control their environment to ease anxiety.

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7. ORGANISATION

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Also heavily reliant on visual memory and visual memory manipulation. Using visual memory manipulation one can visualize efficient ways of organizing objects.

 

8. SELF-MONITORING

 

The ability to assess one's performance. High levels of anxiety will inhibit this skill

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Together these skills make up executive functioning. If your child is having difficulty then they may inhibited due to high levels of anxiety. Physiology, confidence building, and other techniques can be used to eliminate anxiety. Additionally, due to the brain's neuroplasticity these skills can be strengthened. We are not stuck with the brains we were born with. This is despite the fact that the old idea that our brains do not change is still being propagated by many people and organizations. This idea needs to die. It is doing an extreme disservice to so many children and adults alike. 

You can help your child grow and develop! 

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