Executive Functioning Skills

These are lifelong skills that make our day to day lives much easier. They are also skills that have to be taught! And like with all skills, the earlier you start teaching them the easier it will be for your child to learn them. 

That being said, they also can be very challenging for our neurotypical children to learn. They need to be broken down into small parts and reinforced over and over in multiple settings. 

So what are the Executive Functioning Skills we need to teach? 

Planning

Figuring out what your goals are and how to accomplish them. This includes understanding what you need and the steps you need to take to complete the task(s)/ accomplish the goal. 

Organization 

Being able to keep plans, spaces, and materials neat and orderly. Also, being able to organize your thoughts to create steps and plans.

Time Management 

Creating an accurate estimate of how long it will take to complete a task. Also understanding how to use time effectively to accomplish a set task. Knowing how to pace yourself and meet deadlines. 

Task Initiation

Being able to independently start a task when needed, even when it is a task you don’t want to do. 

Working Memory

Being able to hold information in your mind while working with it. It is essential for following directions and completing longer tasks. 

Metacognition

Being able to check in on your own thinking and understand how your thinking impacts your ability to learn. It also helps you understand your feelings in any given situation. 

Self-Control

Being able to manage your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This skill helps you stop and think before acting based on an understanding of what is expected of you. 

Attention

Being able to sustain attention on a singular person or task. This includes being able to ignore distractions and independently refocus when needed. 

Flexibility

Being able to change and adapt to new situations. This includes being able to problem solve and take different perspectives. 

Perseverance 

Being able to stick to a task, even when it is difficult. 

As you read through this list, think about how you use these skills as an adult. You probably don’t remember a time when you didn’t have them, but these are not innate skills we are born with. We are taught them starting as toddlers and they have to continue to be taught throughout our entire lifetimes. 

We even continue to learn them as adults, as our lives and circumstances change, we adapt how we, ourselves, use and show these skills.

So as you are working with your child, remember that these skills are not innate and need to be repeatedly taught and reinforced.