Executive Functioning

Executive Function is like the CEO of the brain, it is a set of skills that help a child accomplish different tasks in an effective manner. Some of these skills are planning and organizing, memory retention and recall, inhibition of impulses, task initiation and completion, time management, and flexible thinking. Although not considered a disability of its own, weaknesses in any of the areas aforementioned negatively impact academic performance. Difficulties in executive functioning are usually present in children with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. A psychoeducational evaluation from ABC Testing Services LLC, may include testing in the following areas:

Academic

Behavior Rating Scales

Cognitive

Executive Functioning Rating Scales

Processing (May include: Memory, Speed, Visual-Motor, and/or Visual-Spatial)

The following signs may be an indication of difficulties in this area:

  • Trouble figuring out how to get started on a task
  • Ability to focus on small details or the overall picture, but not both at the same time
  • Experiencing trouble figuring out how much time a task requires
  • Doing things either quickly, slowly, messy, and incompletely
  • Difficulties incorporating feedback into work or an activity
  • Sticking with a plan, even when it’s clear that the plan isn’t working
  • Having trouble paying attention and becoming easily distracted
  • Losing a train of thought when interrupted
  • Frequent reminders of directions
  • Having trouble making decisions
  • Having a tough time transitioning from one activity to another
  • Not always having the words to explain something in detail
  • Needing help processing what something feels/sounds/looks like
  • Not being able to think about or do more than one thing at a time
  • Remembering information better by using cues, abbreviations, or acronyms

 

Reference:

Understood for learning & attention issues

Understanding Executive Functioning Issues (2014, March 19).  Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/executive-functioning-issues/understanding-executive-functioning-issues#item0