Executive Functioning: The Driver of the Brain!

 Executive Functioning! What is it and why is it important? 

Nicole Ezcurra, M.S., CF-SLP, LSVT

Executive Functioning (EF) is the driver of our brain. It’s responsible for a set of cognitive skills that allow us to smoothly navigate activities of our daily living by helping us plan, organize, prioritize and initiate tasks. It helps organize our thoughts, manage our time, and make decisions.

 So, what might an executive functioning challenge look like in our daily living?
Think about the meal you ate this morning. Let’s say it was eggs and toast. First, you had to remember where you put the pan and spatula to cook. If your organization skills are strong (executive functioning abilities), they have a “spot” in your kitchen. Next, you need to remember to spray the pan to prevent sticking. Okay, now get out 2 eggs and crack them on the stove top. Oh yes, you need toast too and something to put on top of your toast. You see peanut butter, almond butter, 3 kinds of jams, butter…how do you decide?? There are way too many options…Oh no…what about the eggs, is it time to flip them? Wait, when do you put the toast in? … Okay, I see bubbling around the eggs, I think it’s time to flip them… oh no, the toast is burning! What about a plate for the eggs? …then the fire alarm starts to go off (“sigh”) you forgot to turn on the fan or open a window.

         This is an example of what could happen when your executive functioning skills aren’t strong. Do you see how many steps there are to simply make a morning breakfast?! It takes proper timing, decision making, memory, sequencing of steps, and more. While it’s a seemingly simple task to many, it can be complex for those with executive functioning challenges.

Research has found that there are seven key executive functions:

• Self-Awareness: self-directed attention

• Inhibition: self-restraint

• Non-verbal working memory: visual imagery, how well can you picture things mentally

• Verbal working memory: internal monologue

• Emotional self-regulation: “using words, images and self-awareness to process or alter how we feel about things” (additude.com)

• Self-motivation

• Planning and problem solving

For children with ADHD and/or Autism, Executive Functioning is often impacted, making it more challenging to focus, follow directions, handle emotions, and plan and organize activities of daily living.

How might an EF challenge show up in your child’s daily living?

• Your child has a challenging time independently initiating homework

• Your child often forgets to turn in homework

• Your child has a hard time keeping track of time

• Your child has a hard time remembering names and key details

• Your child may display emotional dys-regulation (very high, or very low, sudden emotions)

What are some tools to work on Executive Functioning?

1.     Write it down!

Working memory challenges do not simply “disappear.” Instead, strategies need to be taught and learned. Teach your child how to use a calendar or post-its for notes. He/she will need be reminded each morning to look at his/her calendar and use it actively throughout the day. Carve out “calendar time” 3x each day to write and review it (morning, mid-day, and night) until it becomes a habit.

2.     Invest in a clock

The concept of “time blindness” is common for individual’s with ADHD. One minute an individual listening to a favorite podcast, the next thing they know, it has been 6 hours and nothing else has been accomplished. To create more awareness about time, get a physical clock (ideally not one connected to your phone) and set timers to remember to move through tasks. Break down long tasks into shorter chunks if the time seems daunting (e.g., 30-minute increments) and gradually distribute it across the day.

3.     Offer Rewards!

Motivation can be challenging for individuals with executive functioning delays. For young children, use stickers or a token system and a reward box with prizes at the end of the day or week. For older children, you can use their personal interests like video games, their choice of dinner, a toy etc. The list is endless! Think about what motivates your child, or your family, and incorporate that.

4.     Make learning physical

Children with ADHD and/or Autism learn best by doing. Turning your discussions and teachings into opportunities to use their hands and make learning interactive helps improve working memory. Use cotton balls or crackers for counting, use powerpoints instead of essays, use visual imagery and drawing for reading, get outside of science, and use sand for tracing letter to name just a few ideas!

5.     Eat something sugary

This is beneficial during big exams or projects that need to be worked on. Have a sugary mint, a small handful of jelly beans, or a small sip of juice. While you do need to be careful not to overdue sugar consumption, small amounts of sugar do help provide fuel to the frontal lobe, where the EF comes from. 

6.     Exercise

This tip is as simple as they come! Simply, move! Encourage your child/teen to get outside for 30 minutes to move their body to help stimulate their brain and provide a surge of feel-good chemicals to boost mood. In addition, research has found that activities like kung-fu and ballet are great to boosting cognitive functioning for children with ADHD.

7.     Take a break

Similar to exercising, this too should be happening daily. Individuals with EF challenges need to be reminded to take breaks, as their brain often becomes more exhausted and depleted at a quicker rate than for those without EF challenges. Breaks do not need to be long, just 5-10 minutes, but they can help with self-regulation and help to “reboot” the brain for the next task.

8.     Internal dialogue booster

Positive self-talk doesn’t always come naturally for those with EF challenges, so they need to be taught. Practice growth mindset affirmations like, “I can do this!” or “If I mess up, I can try again!” or “I am still learning!” Make this practice fun and interactive by having a poster board in the house to continuously add affirmations to and so that it can be easily seen throughout the day.