What are Executive Functioning Skills?
In order to become a successful adult, certain skills must be developed. While it is obviously important to know reading, writing, and math, one could easily argue that developing executive functioning skills is equally instrumental for future success. What exactly is meant by ‘executive functioning skills’?
Executive Functioning Skills:
Behavioral Regulation-
- Does the child have the skills to control his/her behavior?
- Is the child able to recognize how his/her behavior affects those around them?
- Is the child aware of how a behavior leads to a consequence?
Emotional Regulation-
- Does the child have the skills to regulate his/her emotions?
- Can the child adapt?
- Can the child shift from one task to another?
- Can the child examine a problem from another viewpoint?
Cognitive Regulation-
- Does the child have the skills to start tasks independently?
- Is the child able to recall multi-step directions?
- Can the child plan and organize the steps needed to complete a task?
- Can the child monitor progress with the steps of a task?
- Does the child have the skills to keep materials organized?
Executive functioning skills develop at varying ages depending on the child and may develop as the child matures. Most children may require direct instruction in these skills.
Possible Strategies:
Behavior and Emotional Regulation-
- Mindfulness
- Zones of Regulation
- Role-playing
- Modeling
- Social Stories
- Behavior Intervention Plan
- School-based Counseling
- Outside therapy
Cognitive Regulation-
- Breaking Tasks down into Manageable Units
- Checklists
- Visual Aids
- Color-Coded Organizational System
- Visual Schedule
- Use of a Planner
- One-Step Directions
The most important component in developing and strengthening these skill sets is a collaborative working relationship between the parents and educators.
Concussions
- Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that can impact a child’s executive functioning skills. If you find that your child’s exhibits changes in one or more of the aforementioned areas, please seek medical assistance from a neurologist.