Executive functions are a family of top-down[1] mental processes that make possible mentally  playing with ideas; approaching unanticipated challenges with flexibility; taking the time to think before acting; resisting temptations, and staying focused[2].

Executive functions are interrelated, and they depend on a neural circuit in which the prefrontal cortex at the front of the brain plays a prominent role. The core executive functions include[3].

• Inhibitory and interference control – self-control, selective attention, cognitive inhibition, resisting temptations and resisting acting impulsively
• Working memory – Our mental workspace that controls our ability to retain and manipulate pieces of information over short periods of time
• Cognitive flexibility – thinking “outside the box”, seeing things from different perspectives, and quickly and flexibly adapting to changed circumstances.

Individuals are not born with all of these skills; rather they develop over a person’s life on average reaching full maturity in their mid-twenties. The development of executive skills is crucial for learning, development, positive behaviour and good decision making[4]. They are foundational skills for later life and work.

Individuals who have executive function challenges might find everyday tasks challenging such as:

• Keeping track of time
• Conceptualising how long a task will take
• Making plans
• Getting started on a task
• Staying focused during a task

[1] Diamond, A. (2012). Activities and Programs That Improve Children’s Executive Functions. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 21(5), 335–341. http://doi.org/10.1177/0963721412453722

[2] Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168. http://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750

[3] Miyake, A., Friedman, N. P., Emerson, M. J., Witzki, A. H., Howerter, A., & Wager, T. D. (2000). The unity and diversity of executive functions and their contributions to complex ‘Frontal Lobe’ tasks: a latent variable analysis. Cognitive Psychology, 41(1), 49–100. http://doi.org/10.1006/cogp.1999.0734

[4] Executive Function & Self-Regulation. (n.d.). Retrieved 31 August 2016, from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/