How to improve Executive Function
Can it be improved?
Executive function enables us to set goals, plan and to get things done.
Executive function comprises three interrelated skills:
- Working memory – to help keep information in mind
- Attention and inhibition – for self-control
- Cognitive flexibility – for flexible thinking
It’s crucial for children to develop solid executive functioning in early childhood as it significantly contributes to cognitive and social skills, and success later in life.
Executive function’s importance
Why is it so important?
Neuroscientist Bill Jenkins likens executive functioning to an internal “air traffic control system”.
Just as an air traffic controller has a number of aircrafts to manage at various stages of their flights (take-off, changing altitude, altering direction, landing etc.), the brain’s executive function enables us to focus on a number of things at the same time, make decisions, monitor errors, revise plans as necessary and resist hasty decisions when frustrated.
How poor executive function can affect a child
Child doesn’t know what to prioritise from teacher’s instructions
Doesn’t know how to plan steps to complete required task
Abandons incomplete task
Abandons incomplete task
Executive function for school readiness
Students need to have strong executive functioning skills to be ready for learning
Consider that a struggling learner might need help building skills other than those that seem directly connected to the learning task.
For example, a struggling reader may need to strengthen auditory processing. A student who finds maths challenging may need working memory support.
1 Samuels et al. (2016). Executive Functioning Predicts Academic Achievement in Middle School: A Four-Year Longitudinal Study.
How poor executive functioning can affect an adult
Doesn’t know what to prioritise from supervisor’s instructions
Unable to plan steps required to complete task
Has to work late to complete task before the deadline
Has to work late to complete task before the deadline
Executive function development begins at home
Development starts at home and develops through practice.
Even some babies as young as 6 months of age can understand and obey a simple command such as “Don’t touch” to prevent them from impulsively touching something dangerous. But not all children develop executive function naturally.
Parents can help to gradually develop these skills by teaching and reinforcing concepts such as turn taking, using inside and outside voices and how different rules apply in different settings.
Daycare and primary school teachers are keenly aware of the importance of executive functioning and will continue to foster these skills in the school environment.
Executive functioning is important as it significantly contributes to cognitive and social skills, and success later in life
Can children improve executive functioning?
Yes! Just because a child comes into the classroom with poor executive function, it doesn’t mean things need to stay that way. Executive function can be improved with special games designed by neuroscientists.
Can adults improve executive function?
Also yes! Our brains are amazing and can change at almost any age (called neuroplasticity). As long as you use the right training tool, you can improve your executive functioning.
How to improve executive functioning?
To improve executive functioning, we need to target the cause of executive function problems with a three pronged approach which includes skill building strategies.
If you google “executive function help” you’ll see a lot of strategies (e.g. “keep a schedule” and “use visual aids”).
These are compensatory strategies – they are important, but they do not improve executive functioning and are not a long term solution.
Most health professionals now agree that a three-pronged approach to intervention is most effective, involving a combination of individualised compensatory strategies, learning environment modifications and skill building strategies.
Executive function info pack
Sonic Learning’s online executive function programs
Changing the brain can’t be done overnight, but it absolutely can be done. Improving executive functioning takes daily practice, individualised instruction and engaging exercises to create significant and lasting improvements.
Fortunately there are online programs that can help you improve executive functioning in an easy and fun way. Sonic Learning’s team of health and education professionals has been successfully using proven neuroscience programs (Fast ForWord and Cogmed) since 2004 to improve working memory.
6 Month Executive Function program 7+ years
Builds working memory, attention and inhibition as well as other important cognitive and learning skills.
Key takeaways
Executive function is like your brain’s air traffic control system
Executive function is a “biological foundation” for school readiness and it is a strong predictor of academic performance and success later in life
Executive functioning can be improved with neuroscience based programs
Executive Function FAQs
Do you have a question? Chances are someone has asked it before!
What is executive function?
Executive function enables us to set goals, plan and to get things done. These skills are a set of cognitive abilities, or thinking and reasoning skills, that allow us to plan, organise, regulate our behavior, and adapt to new situations. These skills are controlled by the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking, decision-making, and self-control.
What are executive function skills?
Executive function is made up of three interrelated skills. 1. Working memory – keeping information in mind while you need it. 2. Attention and inhibition – the ability to maintain focus and self control. 3. Cognitive flexibility – the ability to think about how to overcome obstacles and ‘think outside the box’.
How to improve executive function?
Strategies include: Resources and Tools: Utilising apps, online courses, and online training exercises such as Fast ForWord and Cogmed. Time Management: Setting goals, using planners and calendars, prioritizing tasks, time-blocking, and the Pomodoro Technique. Organisation: Decluttering physical and digital spaces, using visual aids, and establishing routines. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Gathering information, analysing pros and cons, considering long-term consequences, seeking input, and practicing problem-solving. Emotional Regulation and Self-Control: Recognising triggers, developing coping strategies, pausing before reacting, and seeking professional help when needed.
How are attention deficit disorder and executive function linked?
Executive functioning issues are common in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). One study shows that 89% of children with ADHD were classified as impaired on at least one executive function skill.
How are autism and executive function linked?
It’s common for those with autism to also have executive function disorder. Those with autism may find executive function difficulties particularly challenging, especially when they are interacting with others. For example, executive function difficulties can make communication extra challenging, as working memory is need to remember what was just said – and inhibition is needed to avoid saying inappropriate things.
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