What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning is the set of mental skills that helps us remember, plan, organize, and pay attention to our everyday tasks. When this is impaired due to brain injury, stroke, or other cognitive impairment or decline, it can make it difficult to function in daily life.
Executive Functioning Skills include:
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Attention
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Planning
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Time Management
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Emotional Regulation
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Inhibition
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Organization
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Prioritizing
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Cognitive Flexibility
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapy can help improve executive functioning through various interventions targeted to meet an individual's needs. To begin, your therapist will conduct an evaluation to determine the areas of executive functioning that might be challenging for you. Therapy sessions may then focus on the following:
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Skill Development
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Environmental Modifications
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Compensatory Strategies
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Task Specific Training
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Self-Regulation Techniques
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Cognitive Strategies