What are Executive Functioning Skills?
The term 'Executive Functioning' refers to the cognitive processes that enable us to plan, stay organised, focus our attention and control our impulses. These skills are essential for successful completion of any task or activity.
Who is affected by weak Executive Functioning Skills?
Weak executive functioning is associated with several neuro-developmental differences, for example ADHD/ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Brain injury or damage from neuro-degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease can affect executive functioning.
Executive functioning can also suffer - usually temporarily - during periods of stress, grief, depression and hormonal change, such as pregnancy and menopause.
When do Executive Functioning Skills develop?
Executive Functioning is linked with the brain's frontal lobes, and particularly the pre-frontal cortex. Since this is the last part of the brain to mature, it’s normal and expected that cognitive control in children, teens and young adults is less developed than in adults. If you’ve ever tried to reason with a frustrated toddler or tried to find cheap car insurance for a 17-year-old, you’ll be familiar with this!
However, if you or your child seem to struggle more with 'life skills' than other people your age, it may be that weak executive functioning is to blame.
