The building blocks to executive function are skills developed over time, starting as early as the first year of life. SST is an appropriate service to help parents learn how to support their child’s development of executive function skills. Three building blocks for executive function are: Working memory - includes the ability to following multiple-step instructions and taking turns in group activities; Inhibitory control - makes the following possible: selective, focused, and sustained attention. It also includes joint attention, and the ability to take turns; and Cognitive flexibility - includes the ability to switch gears and adjust to changed demands. Watch the 5 minute video for an explanation of the building blocks of executive function and how they work together: (2012) Let’s look at how the skills of executive function relate to the cognitive process of problem solving. Problem solving requires 4 steps: Assessing the problem Developing a plan to address the problem Executing the plan Evaluating the effectiveness of the plan Skills needed to assess the problem include working memory of the issues related to the problem and the ability to focus (inhibitory control) on the problem. Skills to develop a plan include working memory of the available options and inhibitory control to arrive at the best plan. Execution of the plan requires inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, as seen in the ability to change priorities or fix mistakes. Evaluation of the plan requires the use of all 3 skills: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Executive function includes both cognitive processes and social interaction. As noted above, the building block, includes joint attention and turn taking. inhibitory control, Joint attention and turn taking are also foundational social skills. Behavior issues may impact a child’s ability to benefit from intervention for delays in other domains.
The building blocks to executive function are skills developed over time, starting as early as the first year of life. SST is an appropriate service to help parents learn how to support their child’s development of executive function skills. Three building blocks for executive function are: Working memory - includes the ability to following multiple-step instructions and taking turns in group activities; Inhibitory control - makes the following possible: selective, focused, and sustained attention. It also includes joint attention, and the ability to take turns; and Cognitive flexibility - includes the ability to switch gears and adjust to changed demands. Watch the 5 minute video for an explanation of the building blocks of executive function and how they work together: (2012) Let’s look at how the skills of executive function relate to the cognitive process of problem solving. Problem solving requires 4 steps: Assessing the problem Developing a plan to address the problem Executing the plan Evaluating the effectiveness of the plan Skills needed to assess the problem include working memory of the issues related to the problem and the ability to focus (inhibitory control) on the problem. Skills to develop a plan include working memory of the available options and inhibitory control to arrive at the best plan. Execution of the plan requires inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, as seen in the ability to change priorities or fix mistakes. Evaluation of the plan requires the use of all 3 skills: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Executive function includes both cognitive processes and social interaction. As noted above, the building block, inhibitory control, includes joint attention and turn taking. Joint attention and turn taking are also foundational social skills. Behavior issues may impact a child’s ability to benefit from intervention for delays in other domains.
SST_Workbook_Final.docx