Executive function

What does this mean?

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Executive function is a set of mental skills. The ability to use these skills underpins many daily tasks such as using your short-term memory, self-control, planning and flexible thinking. This is something that people develop as they get older and have more experience of using these skills. People with Autism and ADHD often have difficulties with executive function skills.

People sometimes understand executive function skills in 3 main parts:

• Working memory: Your working memory is your short-term memory. When it is being used, you are able to hold information in your mind for a small amount of time and use it in some way. For example, if someone on the phone tells you a code to a door and you enter it.
• Cognitive flexibility: Cognitive flexibility is about flexible thinking. When it is being used, you are able to think about something in more than one way. For example, being able to see both sides of an argument or approaching a problem in multiple different ways.
• Self-control: Self-control is about resistance and patience. When it is being used, you are able to ignore distractions and resist temptations. For example, being able to wait for your turn to speak or saving your money.

 

How does it affect people?

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People who struggle with executive functioning can find it very difficult to do tasks that others may find easy. For example, they may struggle to follow instructions (a working memory skill) or organise their day (a cognitive flexibility skill). A lack of executive function skills can also make it difficult to manage your emotions and to exercise self-control. These skills are often required and expected in modern workplaces as well as in education. This can make it hard for people with these difficulties to access work and education.

 

What strategies might be helpful?

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There are lots of ways to improve executive functioning skills and not all of them are effective for everyone. It's important to research and find what is useful to you. Even people without neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism and ADHD can improve their skills.

 

Working Memory

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• Using hand-written notes on a visible calendar or electronic reminders. It can be helpful for your memory to physically write things out and making checking a calendar a part of your daily routine. Similarly, electronic reminders using a smart phone or smart speaker can alert you of things that need to happen at specific intervals.
• Establishing a routine as far as possible. Repeating tasks in the same way for a long time can help people to anticipate and remember what happens next.

 

Cognitive Flexibility

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• Practice seeing things from other points of view. For example, you could watch a film and then try to explain the perspectives of 3 different characters and what they might think or feel at particular moments.
• Ask for help. If you're not sure how to prioritise, or what someone else might be thinking, you can always ask questions. If you have someone you trust or someone you admire, you could reach out and ask if they have any tips for you.

 

Self-control

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• Take your time. Try to give yourself the space to think before you act on something. For example, when you pick up something that you want in a shop, whilst you're doing the rest of your shopping you can try to think about whether it's something you really want.
• Get to know your emotions. Take some time to learn about what your emotions are and what might make you feel that way. Learn about the functions of emotions and how they may impact on our behaviour. Once you have a better understanding of your own emotions, you can understand what things might lead you to become upset and prevent it from happening.