Executive functions are the essential self-regulating skills that we all use every day to plan, organize, make decisions and learn from past mistakes. Kiddos rely on their executive functions for everything from taking a shower, playing with a toy, writing their name, or even eating a snack!
A few of these skills are:
Working memory: The ability to retain information and then use that information in a functional way.
Emotional control: The ability to modulate an emotional response that is appropriate for the situation.
Sustained attention: Maintaining a consistent behavioral response during continuous and repetitious activity.
Task initiation: Ability to begin a task or generate ideas.
Planning: Managing current or future tasks by setting goals and establishing the steps needed to complete the task.
Organization: Organization of thoughts and tangible items needed to successfully carry out tasks.
Time management: The ability to prioritize the steps needed to complete a task and schedule them with adequate timing.
Flexibility: Our ability to adapt to change. For example, a child may use this skill to adjust to a change in the plan without having a major meltdown
Inhibition: Stopping one’s behavior at an appropriate time
Occupational therapy can help to foster these skills and work out your child’s skill weaknesses to find the perfect tools to support skill development. These skills will look different depending on your child’s age. It’s important to consider this when we are trying to find the “just right challenge”. Sometimes, our expectations for our children do not match their developmental age. It’s important to consider the kiddo’s personal strengths and weakness when developing goals for them to reach their potential!
A book I like to recommend to families, whose children may struggle with Executive functions is Smart but Scattered, written by Peg Dawson, EdD, and Richard Guare, PhD. This book specifically looks to provide education on Executive functions and how our brains are wired/working and tips to improve executive functions for those kiddos around 4 to 13 years old.
If you have specific questions about your child’s personal skills and needs, reach out to your occupational therapist!
Dana Humphrey MS, OTRL