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Understand Intersection of Emotions and Executive Functions

Tags

Social-Emotional Learning Special Education (IEPs & 504s) All Ages Strategy

Skills

Anxiety Flexible Thinking Self-regulation Organization Working Memory Attention Processing Speed

Understand Intersection of Emotions and Executive Functions

If your student is struggling with ADHD, emotional challenges or both

How To Apply It!

  1. When students are experiencing emotional challenges, it might appear that they have problems with executive functions (attention, working memory or flexible thinking) since executive functions suffer disproportionately when a student is overly stressed or anxious.
  2. Stress, depression, loneliness, sleep deprivation, lack of fitness and anxiety can cause students to appear like they might have ADHD even if they do not have weaknesses in these skills. Students with ADHD might exhibit worsening symptoms.
  3. Signs that emotions are impacting executive functions include increased occurrence of forgetting things, distractedness, poor self-control, inability to plan, etc.
  4. If you suspect your child is struggling, first begin by helping your child to get a good night sleep (at least 8 hours), eat well and exercise daily. Supporting your child's physical health will help improve his mental health.
  5. If physical supports do not begin to show improvements within two weeks, consider if your child would benefit from consultation with a psychologist.
  6. If your child gets the help and support he needs, his executive functions should return to his pre-stressor levels.

Why It Works! (the Science Of Learning)

The physiological effects of stress, sadness, loneliness, sleep deprivation, and poor physical health are first experienced in the pre-fontal cortex, the same part of the brain which controls executive functions. While more severe emotional disorders can affect other cognitive domains including reasoning and memory, the effects are usually first seen in executive functions. Fortunately, any negative effects are reversible if they are addressed within reasonable time frame. You can learn more about the interconnections of the major domains of human development—social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, academic—and how they collectively are central to learning and success from the Aspen Institute.