What are the 12 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.

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 understand other points of view.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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