What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functions (EFs) are all the cognitive, or brain, skills used to complete a task. This can range from things like problem-solving to organization. In simple terms, EFs are the functions we need to be able to properly manage life.
Every task is made up of multiple steps and each step requires planning, forethought, problem-solving, memory, and sometimes multi-tasking. For example, brushing your teeth is one task with multiple steps. You have to take the toothbrush out of the holder, wet your brush, grab the toothpaste, open up the cap, put the toothpaste on the brush, close the toothpaste bottle, brush your teeth for two minutes, spit, rinse, and put your toothbrush away. To complete any task, it takes executive functioning skills to be able to properly process everything that that task requires.
What Is Executive Functioning Used For?
We use executive functions for things like:
· self-regulation
· Problem-solving
· Multitasking
· Flexible thinking
· Attention
· Working memory
· Planning (including motor planning)
· Time management
These are all skills that we use on a daily basis. When our executive functioning is lacking, a simple task becomes overwhelming. This is when personal hygiene, organization, or school assignments can seem impossible to complete because a child may not have the available executive functioning capacity to be able to properly handle the task. This is where problems occur and avoidance behavior begins.
Some people are more prone to struggle with EF deficits, especially if they have a diagnosis such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or dyslexia. The good news is that a lot of these skills can be taught and learned over time.
Occupational Therapy for Executive Functioning
Since executive functions are necessary for daily occupations, or activities, an occupational therapist is able to help treat EF deficits and come up with a treatment plan that targets any areas your child may struggle with. They will help model the behavior and teach your child strategies that they can implement on a daily basis.
Some of the things an occupational therapist might work on to help teach executive functioning are:
Using visual tools
Like icon boards, stickers charts, schedules, checklists
Breaking a task down to make it more manageable
Memory and matching games
Utilizing timers
Methods of self-regulation (to help with things like transitions or change)
Setting Goals
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“ADHD and Executive Functioning,” Occupational Therapy Helping Children, accessed 10 June 2022, https://occupationaltherapy.com.au/how-occupational-therapy-can-help-your-childs-executive-functioning/.
Cramm, Heidi, Terry Krupa, Cheryl Missiuna, Rosemary M. Lysaght, and Kevin C. H. Parker. “Broadening the Occupational Therapy Toolkit: An Executive Functioning Lens for Occupational Therapy with Children and Youth,” American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 67, no. 6 (2013): e139-e147, doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2013.008607.
Hahn-Markowitz, Jeri, Itai Berger, Iris Manor, and Adina Maeir. “Impact of the Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) Intervention on Executive Functions and Participation Among Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 71, no. 5 (2017): 1-9, doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.022053.