The 3 areas of executive function

Executive function is an important group of mental skills. These skills help us pay attention, get organized, and plan. People use executive function skills all the time to get things done.

What’s included in executive function

Not all experts view executive function in the same way. Many view it as a broad group of skills that include:

• Paying attention

• Organizing and planning

• Starting tasks and staying focused on them

• Managing emotions

• Keeping track of what you’re doing

According to many experts, the executive function skills listed above fit into three main areas.

Working memory

What it is: Working memory is the ability to keep information in mind and then use it in some way.

Example: An employee might use this skill to hold on to information needed to work on a bigger project, like a presentation or a report.

Cognitive flexibility

What it is: The ability to think about something in more than one way, often called flexible thinking.

Example: A student might use this skill to answer a math problem in two ways or to find relationships between different concepts.

Inhibitory control

What it is: The ability to ignore distractions and resist temptation. (Inhibitory control includes self-control.)

Example: A child might use this skill to keep from blurting out an answer in class or to stay seated until dinner is done. Inhibitory control also keeps people from acting impulsively.

Skills related to executive function

Here are some other skills that might be hard for people who struggle with executive function.

Reflection: Reflection is a process that allows people to stop and think before they respond or react. This skill is key for solving problems. The more they practice it, the better adults and kids get at reflection.

Processing speed: People need to go through a reflection process quickly in order to solve problems on time. That’s where processing speed comes in. Some experts view this skill as the engine that drives how well people use executive function skills to solve problems and achieve goals.

Podcast: How to build executive function skills

Learn more about executive function skills in this 21-minute episode of Understood’s In It podcast. The expert guest, Brendan Mahan, is an executive function coach and host of the ADHD Essentials podcast. Listen as he explains what executive function is and offers practical tips on how to help kids build these skills.

More resources

• Learn how emotions can impact executive function.

• Explore a day in the life of a child with executive function challenges.

• Find out how kids use executive functions to learn.