executive function

The intentional support of executive function forms the basis of academic therapy. To ignore the impact of impaired executive functions on learning, processing, memory, and academic achievement, is like building a jigsaw puzzle with only half of the pieces. There are eight main areas of executive function: (1) impulse control, (2) emotional control, (3) flexible thinking, (4) working memory, (5), self monitoring, (6) planning and prioritising, (7) task initiation, and (8) organisation. Deficits in these skills must be addressed alongside literacy and numeracy deficits, because these skills underpin all learning and we cannot succeed without them. Every person has a unique pattern of function in these eight areas, and weaknesses can be addressed if we know what to look for, and know how to scaffold growth and development.