Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help us to plan, organise, focus attention, remember information, manage time, and regulate emotions and behaviour. These skills act like the brain’s “management system” and are essential for learning, daily routines, and developing independence.
Executive functioning continues to develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Some children and young people need extra support to develop these skills.
Watch the video from Nessy to find out more about what executive functioning is and how it can affect learning.
Many children and young people with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia, also experience differences in executive functioning.
This does not reflect a lack of ability or motivation. Instead, it means that certain tasks may require more support, different strategies, or more time.
A child or young person with executive functioning differences may find it harder to:
Understanding how executive functioning links to SpLDs can help parents, carers and professionals put the right support in place.
Executive functioning differences can impact many areas, including:
With the right strategies and adjustments, children can learn skills that build confidence and independence over time.
Practical strategies that may help include:
Support does not mean doing tasks for a child but helping them learn how to manage tasks more independently.
Schools and settings may support executive functioning through:
If you have concerns about your child’s executive functioning, discussing this with the school SENCO is a helpful first step.
