Executive function can be thought of as the command central of our cognitive skills. These are the skills we use to get things done, plan and organize, not procrastinate (task initiation), not do things we shouldn't do (Inhibition), respond to changing situations (shift) and monitor our own performance. Executive function can be divided into hot and cold.

8 Key Executive Functions

Our executive function skills when we are not under duress or other heightened emotional states. In this state our cognitive skills operate optimally

Cool Executive Function Skills

Almost all children who struggle in academics are under constant stress. They are almost always in fight or flight mode. Their executive functioning skills are inhibited. This is why emotional control may be the most important of all of the executive functions for these kids. The other functions will always be inhibited until emotional control is gained. Starting with the body and learning mind-body techniques is often the most effective strategy. All other techniques, such as cognitive behavior therapy, will work better once the emotions are brought under control with physiology.

Executive Function Skills and Academically Struggling Students

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

Executive Function Skill #1: Emotional Control

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.

Executive Function Skill #2: Inhibition

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.

Executive Function Skill #3: Working Memory

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.

Executive Function Skill #4: Initiation

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.

Executive Function Skill #6: Shift

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

Executive Function Skill #7: Organization

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

Executive Function Skill #8: Organization

Hot Executive Function Skills is how we function when emotions are high. Under emotional pressure our executive function skills can be quite different. Generally they will deteriorate as the amygdala heightens activity in the sympathetic nervous system and shuttles resources to the parts of our body needed for fight or flight.

Hot Executive Function Skills

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.

Executive Function Skill #5: Planning and Prioritization

Executive Functions Skills are the mental processes that allow us to properly organize, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Our brain requires this collection of abilities to filter distractions, prioritize work, set and attain goals, and control impulses.

Understanding how executive function works can help you understand your child. Learn more in this infographic