LEARNING INTERFERENCES: UNDERSTANDING THEN PLANNING

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Executive function refers to a set of skills that help you effectively manage your daily tasks and behaviors. These skills are controlled by an area of your brain called the frontal lobe. Let’s delve into the details:

1. Working Memory: This is like a mental notepad where you store information about your daily activities and the processes needed to complete them. When working memory isn’t functioning optimally, you might experience forgetfulness, disorganization, or difficulty completing ordinary tasks.
2. Cognitive Flexibility: This skill involves adapting to changes around you. If you struggle with cognitive flexibility, you may find it hard to switch tasks, readapt to stress, or handle unexpected events.
3. Inhibition Control: This affects how you manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Poor inhibition control can lead to impulsivity, difficulty focusing on specific tasks, or challenges in keeping quiet when necessary.

Executive function skills begin developing soon after birth, accelerate between ages 3 and 5, and continue to evolve through adolescence. When these skills don’t work as they should, it can impact your ability to work, study, function independently, and maintain healthy relationships1.

Additionally, there’s a condition called executive dysfunction disorder, which goes beyond occasional forgetfulness or disorganization. It’s a long-term issue that affects your everyday life. For instance, you might struggle with tasks involving multiple steps, such as cooking a meal or completing work or school projects.

 It’s not about intelligence or effort; rather, it’s a disconnect in your brain’s ability to coordinate and carry out tasks.

If you’re curious about executive function tests, they assess these mental skills, which act as the “CEO” of your brain. They help you plan, remember, learn, and adapt to changes2.

Remember, we all have our unique executive function strengths and challenges!

read further in WebMD