What Is Executive Functioning? 10 Core Skills of Your Brain’s Chief Operating Officer (CEO)

11 hours ago
5 min read

This post is all about what is executive functioning

If you've ever worked with a client who knows exactly what to say but can't organize their thoughts, or who understands directions but can't follow through, you've seen executive functioning challenges in action. But what exactly is executive functioning, and why should SLPs care?

As a speech therapist of 14+ years, who spent 5+ years working with patients with traumatic brain injury focusing on executive functioning, the word is no longer a mystery! My goal is to help spread awareness of this concept, so we can collectively make a difference in the clients we help!

Stick around to learn... what really is executive functioning?

1. Executive Functioning Is Your Brain's CEO

Executive functioning is the set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. Think of it as your brain's management system. It controls organization, time management, impulse control, and flexible thinking.

In simple terms: It's what helps us get things done, even when we don't feel like it.

Why SLPs care: Language requires executive functioning. Telling a coherent story, having a conversation, and following multi-step directions all depend on these skills.

2. It's Not One Skill - It's a Skill Set

Executive functioning isn't a single ability. It's an umbrella term covering several interconnected skills:

Working memory (holding information while using it).
Cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks or perspectives)
Inhibitory control (stopping automatic responses, thinking before acting)
Planning and organization (creating steps to reach a goal)
Task initiation (starting tasks without procrastination)
Self-monitoring (checking your own work and behavior)

Example: Someone who can't retell a story might have working memory issues. A person who interrupts constantly might struggle with inhibitory control.

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3. Executive Functioning Develops Over Time (And Slowly)

These skills don't fully mature until the mid-20s. That's right... the prefrontal cortex, where executive functioning lives, is still developing through adolescence and early adulthood.

What this means for therapy:

A 5-year-old who can't plan ahead isn't being difficult...their brain literally isn't there yet
Teens still need scaffolding and support, even if they seem "old enough"
Adjust your expectations based on developmental stage, not just age

4. It Impacts EVERY Aspect of Speech Therapy

Executive functioning isn't separate from speech and language...it's woven throughout everything we do.

Real examples:

Articulation: Self-monitoring their speech sounds requires executive functioning
Language: Organizing thoughts into sentences requires planning and working memory
Social skills: Perspective-taking and flexible thinking are executive functions
Stuttering: Managing stuttering moments requires self-awareness and inhibitory control
AAC: Learning to navigate a device and find words requires planning and cognitive flexibility

Bottom line: You can't separate executive functioning from communication.

5. Weak Executive Functioning Looks Like "Won't," But It's Actually "Can't"

A child who doesn't follow directions might look defiant or unmotivated. But often, they literally can't hold all the steps in their head, can't get started, or can't shift from what they were doing.

Reframe your thinking:

"He's not listening" → "He can't hold three steps in working memory"
"She's so disorganized" → "She hasn't developed planning skills yet"
"He won't try" → "He struggles with task initiation"

This reframe changes everything: You stop seeing behavior problems and start seeing skill deficits you can teach.

6. ADHD and Executive Functioning Are Closely Linked

ADHD is a kind of executive functioning disorder. Adults with ADHD struggle with impulse control, working memory, planning, and self-monitoring.

What this means for SLPs:

Many clients on your caseload have both language challenges AND executive functioning challenges
Therapy strategies need to account for attention, organization, and impulsivity
Collaborating with psychologists, teachers, and occupational therapists becomes essential

Practical tip: Build in movement breaks, use timers, provide visual supports, and keep tasks short and structured.

7. You Can Target Executive Functioning Skills in Speech Therapy

The great news? Executive functioning skills can be taught, practiced, and improved. And speech therapists are perfectly positioned to do this. A speech therapist created a worksheet to target this skill in a practical and functional manner! Click to get this road trip planning activity to have something functional and ready-to-go for your next speech session! (Teachers Pay Teachers version here)

How we target it:

Teach self-monitoring through articulation practice ("Did you say it correctly?")
Build working memory through direction-following and story retell
Practice cognitive flexibility by changing story endings or problem-solving
Strengthen planning through narrative organization and project-based tasks

Remember: You don't need to be a neuropsychologist. You're already addressing these skills, now you're just doing it more intentionally.

8. Visual Supports Are Executive Functioning Scaffolds

When executive functioning is weak, brains need external supports. Visual aids essentially "outsource" some of the mental work.

Examples:

Checklists reduce working memory demands
Visual schedules support planning and task initiation
Graphic organizers help with organization and sequencing
Timers make abstract time concrete
Anchor charts provide reminders without nagging

The goal: Gradually fade supports as skills strengthen, but don't rush it. Some clients will always benefit from visual scaffolding.

9. Executive Functioning Affects Home and School, Not Just Therapy

Weak executive functioning doesn't stay in the therapy room—it impacts job tasks, bedroom organization, morning routines, and social relationships.

Collaborate with families:

Share what executive functioning is and why it matters
Teach caregivers to provide structure and supports at home
Help teachers understand that "lazy" or "unmotivated" might be executive functioning challenges
Suggest consistent routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and visual reminders

Example conversation starter: "I'm noticing Jordan struggles to organize his thoughts. This is an executive functioning skill called planning. Here's how we can support him at home..."

10. Assessment Matters: Look Beyond Language Tests

Standard speech-language tests don't always capture executive functioning weaknesses. You need to observe how clients approach tasks, not just whether they get the right answer.

What to watch for:

Do they jump in without a plan?
Can they self-correct errors?
Do they remember multi-step directions?
Can they switch strategies when something isn't working?
Do they stay organized during open-ended tasks?

Assessment tools to consider:

Informal observation during unstructured tasks
Dynamic assessment to see how they respond to cues

Document it: "Client required maximum cues to self-monitor articulation accuracy" tells a story about executive functioning, not just speech.

Bringing It All Together

Executive functioning is the invisible force behind so many communication challenges. When you understand what it is and how it works, you unlock new ways to help your clients succeed.

You're not adding more to your plate, you're understanding what was already there. And that understanding makes you a more effective, insightful clinician.