"Executive Functions"
It is the ability to manage your own-self!
It is being able to make logical decisions and based on the ability to Reason and make Rational choices. Executive functions are located in the frontal lobe where your thinking and language skills develop. Executive functions are mental processes that help link past experiences and prior knowledge to our present actions. Some executive processes would be:*Planning *Prioritizing *Memorizing *Organizing *Shifting *Checking
Children with poor executive functions have the following characteristics:
- Keeps a messy room and a disorganized desk
- Has difficulty following sequential instructions
- Has trouble sitting still when others don’t?
- Needs to be nagged repeatedly to get ready to catch the bus?
- Fails to complete assignments unless you’re standing over him?
- Forgets to turn in homework even when it’s completed?
- Loses things regularly, from jackets to permission slips?
- Has a meltdown when it’s time to clean her room?
- Has difficulty planning and managing time?
- Fails to control his impulse to lash out when frustrated?
- Forgets to pay attention to where she’s going when talking on her phone?
- Engages in risk-taking or thrill-seeking behaviors
The best way to help students with weaknesses in their executive functioning skills is to have VISUALS! Make schedules! Set timers! Have calendar booklets! Make Checklists! Establish Routines! Use REWARDS!
