Executive Function & Child Development

Poor executive function (EF) in the brain can mean behavioral and attentional problems in school. This book explains to professionals and parents how EF develops in kids, what EF difficulties look like, and what creative and effective interventions can meet their needs. Executive functions involve mental processes such as: Working memoryholding several pieces of information in mind while we try to do something with themfor example, understand and solve a problem or carry out a task. Response inhibitioninhibiting actions that interfere with our intentions or goals. Shifting focusinterrupting an ongoing response in order to direct attention to other aspects of a situation that are important for goal attainment. Cognitive flexibilitygenerating alternative methods of solving a problem or reaching a goal. Self-monitoringchecking on one's own cognitions and actions to assure that they are in line with one's intentions. Goal Orientationcreating and carrying out a multi-step plan for achieving a goal in a timely fashion, keeping the "big picture" in mind.