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Novella Prep

College Planning | Test Prep | Academic Tutoring | Rye New York | Stamford Connecticut

What are the 12 executive functioning skills?

The twelve executive functioning skills are self-restraint, working memory, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining and achieving goals, flexibility, observation, and stress tolerance.

Research consistently shows that these skills not only help academically but also significantly reduce stress and help students adapt to life changes more fluidly. As students near the end of high school and face the complex college application process, gaps in executive functioning skills can become apparent.  To truly thrive in college and beyond, students need to develop and hone their executive functioning skills.

Issues with executive function, called “executive dysfunction,” can affect anyone, and can show themselves through a wide spectrum of symptoms, such as:

  • Difficulty organizing tasks.
  • Poor time management skills.
  • Challenges with focusing on tasks.
  • Trouble following through on tasks from start to finish.
  • Difficulty remembering details of tasks or instructions.
  • Problems with making decisions or analyzing information.
  • Impulsivity or trouble controlling emotions.

At Novella Prep, we concentrate on elevating students’ executive functioning skills through a comprehensive approach that can help them reach academic and personal success. Our program allows students to develop healthy study habits that champion hard work, focus, and discipline, preparing them for both academics and life. We take a step-by-step approach to completing tasks and work with students to organize their time, plan tasks more effectively, and encourage them to ask questions when they need clarification.

Contact us today to learn how our Executive Functioning and other Study Skills Programs can help you achieve success in school and beyond.

Related FAQs

    • Executive Functioning

    What are executive functioning skills?

    Executive functioning skills are known as “the management system of the brain.” They are a set of mental skills including flexible thinking, self control, and working memory. Issues with executive functioning can make it difficult for students to focus and follow directions, resulting in their learning process being affected. Students of all performance levels benefit from instruction around executive functioning, but for different reasons.
    • Executive Functioning

    What are signs of poor executive functioning?

    Signs of poor executive functioning include difficulty paying attention, difficulty organizing, challenges with planning and prioritizing, inability to stay focused and engaged in tasks, and being unable to regulate emotions, self-monitor, and understanding other points of view.
    • Executive Functioning

    How can students improve their executive functioning skills?

    We work directly with students by teaching them tools and strategies to enhance their executive functioning skills. These include time management, planning and organization skills, proactive communication, task prioritization, problem-solving, reasoning, and analysis. We take a step-by-step approach to completing tasks, and work with students to organize their time, plan tasks more effectively, and encourage them to ask questions when they need clarification.
    • Executive Functioning

    What is an executive functioning disorder?

    An executive functioning disorder can impair a person's ability to stay focused, remain organized, complete tasks, and to engage with other people with appropriate interactions and self-control. Teaching these skills while young helps address matters that will need to be resolved before entering the workforce, anyway!
    • Executive Functioning

    How does ADHD affect executive functioning?

    Students with ADHD often experience a few symptoms related to executive functioning. These may include having trouble starting or completing tasks, organizing thoughts and prioritizing tasks. Time management and following directions can also be difficult. Forgetting what was just read and following directions are additional symptoms that are related to executive functioning. But, we observe differences between focus and discipline, a nuance that must be understood and addressed.
    • Executive Functioning

    What are notable areas of executive function that cause difficulties for individuals with ADHD?

    The following are notable areas of executive function that cause individuals with ADHD difficulties with: Starting or completing tasks Remembering what was just read or discussed in class Adjusting when rules change Organizing thoughts Prioritizing tasks Keeping track of belongings Managing time Following directions
    • Executive Functioning

    Can you have executive function disorder without ADHD?

    Yes. While some people with ADHD experience symptoms of executive functioning, not everyone with an executive function disorder has ADHD.
    • Executive Functioning

    What age do executive functioning skills develop?

    Executive functioning starts to develop during childhood around the ages of 3-5 and continues to progress well into a student’s mid 20’s.
    • Executive Functioning

    How does executive functioning affect reading?

    Reading and comprehension require focus and recall, skills that can be lacking in students with executive function disorder. We encourage building these skills to enhance academic success and, more broadly, life skills.
    • Executive Functioning

    Is executive dysfunction a symptom of autism?

    Many people with autism experience executive dysfunction, though not everyone. Not all people with ASD have issues with all the aspects of executive function.
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