“Executive functions are responsible for a person’s ability to engage in purposeful, organized, strategic, self-regulated, goal-directed behavior.” (George McCloskey, Ph.D. 2011)

There are several theories/models about what constitutes executive functions, encompassing a wide array of cognitive processes. However, the most commonly known aspects include planning, organization, cognitive flexibility, and generating ideas – these areas were emphasized in this section of the A-I Matrix. In addition, executive functioning can include attention and impulse control, as well as reasoning, problem-solving, motivation, working memory, self-regulation, and judgment in decision-making (this is not an all-encompassing list). These areas are addressed in various places across the A-I Matrix.

Different regions of the frontal lobe are linked with the various aspects of executive functioning, which can attribute to differences seen in functioning, depending on which region or how much of an area is affected. For instance, some children may only experience challenges with a few of the executive functions; whereas, some children may have difficulties in multiple aspects of executive functions.

Executive function difficulty is NOT classified as a diagnosis in and of itself, but rather associated with many different diagnoses, such as ADHD, ASD, and various emotional disorders.

Books
Smart but Scattered series by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
Parent-Teen Therapy for Executive Function Deficits & ADHD by Margaret Sibley
Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom by Lynn Meltzer
The Executive Functioning Workbook for Teens by Sharon Hansen
Executive Functions by Russell Barkley
Assessment and Intervention for Executive Function Difficulties by George McCloskey, Lisa Perkins, & Bob Van Diviner
Essentials of Executive Functions Assessment by George McCloskey & Lisa Perkins

Articles
General Overview of Executive Functions
Collection of Information

(Image source and additional information)

Preference in Learning
- Organization
- Planning
- Prioritizing
- Cognative flexibility

Examples of Test Measures
- DKEFS Tower Test
- DKEFS Trailmaking Condition 4
- DKEFS Color-Word Interference Condition 3 & 4
- CAS2 Planning
- WCST
- TEA-Ch2 Reds, Blues, Bags, & Shoes
Note: this is not an exhaustive list; for more information and training visit https://schoolneuropsych.com