Development

Executive functions begin to develop EARLY!

At ages 3-5...

• inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, goal directed behaviors and planning

At ages 4-5...

• Day-to-day EF skills emerge with metacognition, greater flexibility, and inhibitory self-control

• Preschool age kids reliably show: inhibition, shifting, emotional control, working memory, and plan/organize

At ages 6 and up,

• task initiation, organization of materials, self-monitoring

What might impede development of executive functions?

Unfortunately, we also know that poor executive functioning is a common correlate of many mental health problems.  However, everyone can be impacted, some more than others. Below are a list of disorders or problems that are associated with weak or impaired executive functioning.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Conduct Disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Learning Disorders
• Traumatic Brain Injury