Every child, and person for that matter, deserves to learn and succeed. With the knowledge and resources we have in our world today, challenges, like executive dysfunction, should not stand in the way of the learning experience.
About Executive Functioning
Executive function is the brain’s system of interconnected parts that work together to manage oneself and the tasks associated with accomplishing a goal. These processes are involved in effectiveness and efficiency. Similar to any functional system, like an orchestra for example, it relies on the function of each individual part in order to function optimally as a whole.
Executive dysfunction may come across as inconsistency, difficulty with memory, time management, homework, planning, and initiation. A student can appear to be lazy, unmotivated, confused, disorganized, Inflexible, slow emotionally labile, impulsive, and unable to complete tasks.
Executive functioning can be difficult to train and improve because it is ruled by the subconscious mind, which is our habitual auto pilot mode. This can be specifically challenging when the conscious mind is thinking, which is when the subconscious mind takes over to manage the details (Bruce Lipton). One of the best ways we can improve executive functioning is through coaching and habitual practice.
**Please see the resources page for specific solutions to problems with executive functioning**
Executive dysfunction may come across as inconsistency, difficulty with memory, time management, homework, planning, and initiation. A student can appear to be lazy, unmotivated, confused, disorganized, Inflexible, slow emotionally labile, impulsive, and unable to complete tasks.
Executive functioning can be difficult to train and improve because it is ruled by the subconscious mind, which is our habitual auto pilot mode. This can be specifically challenging when the conscious mind is thinking, which is when the subconscious mind takes over to manage the details (Bruce Lipton). One of the best ways we can improve executive functioning is through coaching and habitual practice.
**Please see the resources page for specific solutions to problems with executive functioning**
Two Pillars of Executive Functioning
Cognitive Control |
Emotional Control |
Planning and organizing- Skills used to establish or maintain systems that aide in order, carrying out a tasks, manage time and obtain it necessary materials.
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Inhibition- skills give one the ability to resist responding to distractions, act on an impulse and manage behavior appropriately.
Emotional control- being able to rationalize the appropriate emotional response to a stressor, regulation and modulation of responses in order to achieve a goal. |