Executive function is a set of mental skills that allow us to plan, stay organized, manage our emotions, and conduct daily responsibilities. Think of these skills as the brain’s management system, coordinating what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and what adjustments to make when we encounter roadblocks.
Those who have strong executive function skills can handle the challenges of daily life more smoothly than those who have poor executive function skills. For them, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming.
Executive function challenges can affect both children and adults. Students may struggle to turn in homework on time…adults miss deadlines at work…even families can feel daily strain from disorganization or heightened emotional reactions.
It’s important to understanding what executive function is, and how it affects everyday life. The good news is, if you struggle with these problems, executive functions testing and coaching can help pinpoint the root cause and address it.
Importance of Core Executive Functions
From planning and organization to memory and emotional regulation, there are many aspects of core executive functions that come together – ideally – for smooth daily life. As Harvard University puts it: executive function and self-regulation skills act like the brain’s air traffic control system, helping us to manage information, make decisions, and plan ahead – on the fly and under pressure. It’s important to acquire these critical building blocks in the early childhood years – a big indicator of healthy development throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
Planning
Planning is the ability to map out the steps required to achieve a goal. It provides direction and routine, whether you’re trying to tackle a project for school or preparing for a big work meeting. It’s even needed for small tasks, such as getting out the door in the morning. If you suffer from planning challenges, the goal may be in sight but you don’t know how to get there. As a result, procrastination and incomplete tasks may plague your daily life.
Organization
This is how we structure materials, information, and time. Maybe you tend to misplace assignments at school or perhaps you have a hard time managing household responsibilities. If you don’t have the proper organizational skills, life becomes chaotic and important tasks are often neglected.
Working Memory
This is the ability to hold information in your mind while using it – critical for following multi-step directions, solving problems, or remembering what you were doing after a brief interruption. Think of working memory as being like a notepad in your brain that stores your daily activities, along with the processes necessary to complete them, says WebMD. If you suffer from a weak working memory, you may be forgetful, disorganized, lose your train of thought easily, or have trouble completing ordinary tasks.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation helps us manage emotional responses in appropriate yet flexible ways. Maybe your child has trouble transitioning between activities. Or maybe you have a tough time remaining calm under pressure. Whatever the case, strong emotional regulation forms the foundation of healthy relationships, and is necessary for problem-solving and resilience.
Executive Function and its Impact on Daily Life
Everyday functioning is extremely reliant on strong executive functioning skills.
- In school, these critical skills help students listen to the teacher, take detailed notes, do homework, and submit assignments on time.
- At work, these skills help adults plan meetings, meet deadlines, maintain organized systems, prioritize tasks, and manage stress.
- At home, executive functioning skills create a smooth daily routine by streamlining calendars, commitments, schedules, and household chores.
With weak executive functions, however, this may manifest itself in lack of motivation, forgetfulness, or oppositional behavior. The underlying issue may be neurological, but it’s not due to a lack of effort.
How Testing Can Clarify Executive Function Struggles
Do you struggle with planning and organization? Do you have difficulty starting tasks and staying on track? Do you find it hard to manage emotions under pressure? You could benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation that addresses:
- Behavior Regulation
- Emotional Control
- Mental or Cognitive Control
A thorough evaluation by qualified professionals can identify strengths and weaknesses, and ensure you get the appropriate support. That could range from executive function coaching and therapy to school accommodations and practical strategies for home and work life.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With CNLD Neuropsychology
Contact CNLD Neuropsychology for a confidential consultation on executive function testing or coaching today.
