Executive functioning is a set of cognitive skills that include working memory, self-control and flexible thinking processes.

Executive functioning controls a wide variety of skills. Therefore, it is hugely important for living and learning. It is difficult to fully understand executive functioning without listing the different areas of difficulty.

The ability to control escalating emotions in order to complete a task and keeping emotions to an appropriate level. Having emotional control can keep disruptive emotions in check and prevent negative emotions from ruining your day.

Inhibition is the ability to complete a task in sequence and stay focused. This also includes problem solving, staying on topic and avoiding going off on tangents.

This involves several other executive functioning skills. Getting started on a task requires planning, prioritisation time management, organisation, impulse control, attention, and working memory. The biggest issue is often getting started and what to do next.

The ability to carry out more than one cognitive process at a time. For example, being able to perform a task while talking.

The ability to plan and organise time, information and procedures efficiently. For instance, carrying out instructions accurately and completing tasks on time.

Self-monitoring is a way to monitor actions, behaviours and thoughts. For example, staying on topic when talking, answering questions accurately and noticing changes of topics in groups. Additionally, noticing when you have made a mistake and being relatively accurate in your judgment of your own and others’ behaviour is also considered within self-monitoring.

This is the ability to shift attention if something changes. Additionally, being able to change how something is being done when asked and being able to see multiple possible solutions to a problem are examples of this behaviour.

This is the ability to shift attention if something changes. Additionally, being able to change how something is being done when asked and being able to see multiple possible solutions to a problem are examples of this behaviour.