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Executive function has been compared to “the air traffic controller of the brain” in that it helps organize and prioritize thoughts and behaviors to complete expected activity demands from start to finish (Harvard Center for the Developing Child, 2011).

Executive facilitates a person’s prioritization, planning, memory, and coordination to do multiple tasks throughout the day; this complex, individualized system of skills is thought to be housed in the frontal lobe of the brain (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2011) although more recent studies debate that a wide variety of areas of the brain work together through “diffuse circuitry” to enhance the strength and quality of executive functioning skills (Fiske & Holmboe, 2019).  

Example components of executive function are:  

Attention- the ability to focus one’s mental energy or thoughts on a particular task

Memory- the ability to recall and use previously learned information or rules

Impulse Control- the ability to hinder or redirect sudden mental or behavioral urges in a way that facilitates on task completion 

Self-regulation- the ability to regulate one’s energy levels and body state to fit with expected environmental demands

Sequencing- Putting thoughts or behaviors in order of importance for what needs to be done

Problem-solving- The ability to see alternatives and move around information in the mind to reach a satisfactory outcome/solution for a particular challenge or rigid thought

Creativity – applying concepts or information in a new way (such as imagining); the highest level of applying what one has learned to create something of one’s own

Reasoning – the ability to logically consider facts from multiple perspectives that connect appropriately to the environmental, task, and contextual demands

Metacognition – the ability to think about the way one thinks, to critically evaluate and reflect on one’s own cognitive strengths, weaknesses, and process of thinking 

Reflection- asking questions about what has happened in the past or what has happened to another to inform future decision making 

Self-control- will power to stick with a decision or a behavior when confronted with environmental temptations or pressure 

Sensory processing- filtering and making sense of sensory input coming into the brain and using this sensory information to direct motor responses and behaviors

Planning- the ability to think ahead, visualize, consider what one needs to do in the future

Prioritization- putting tasks in order of importance for completion 

Cognitive Flexibility – openness to looking at task in a new way, openness or curiosity to consider an alternative viewpoint when needed or when challenge presents

Set-shifting- being able to shift one way of thinking or one set of rules to another

Fluid intelligence- a person’s ability to think when presented with new challenges, not relying on previously learned information (related to ability to problem-solve, think quickly, and flex when a new problem emerges)

Crystallized intelligence- memorized facts, information in neocortex

Interoception- Awareness of the body’s internal sensations/needs such as thirst, hunger, etc. 

Clients of all ages and conditions can strengthen their bodies through sensory motor strengthening, body work, reflex, and cognitive exercises at Sunny Day Therapy. Children, teenagers, and parents can calm their minds through executive functioning strategies at Sunny Day Therapy. We believe that calming the body is the first step in relaxing the mind. The brain has innate powers of healing! Sleep better, digest better (rest & digest), manage anxiety, and order your thoughts when you understand the brain science behind how your body and mind are wired. Sunny Day Therapy not only shows you exercises, swings, body work, etc.; Dr. Day and staff teach you about why they work! The brain can be taught organizational strategies; we can change thoughts and behaviors through therapy.

Sunny Day Therapy uses comprehensive assessments and Dr. Day’s Story Power tools to address the foundations of executive function such as attention and build on those foundational skills to promote a strong brain that is resilient and a nervous system that is calm. When a person is regulated, he or she can use their calm mind to address problems and fully participate in life. One cannot create meaning and fully enjoy life when one’s nervous system is in a state of fight or flight. Calming the body through occupational therapy using a sensory, reflex, and body strengthening position is the first step in helping one be in a state to use the organizational and cognitive strategies that will promote successful participation in daily activities. Here at Sunny Day Therapy in Lexington Kentucky (office at Hamburg), we want you to not just learn to survive but thrive. Sunny Day Therapy wants to help you build a tool kit of strategies and create meaningful routines, embrace valued roles, and find balance in your daily activities. Come build the environments and gain the sensory tools and body exercises that support you in living out your story here at Sunny Day Therapy. Our office is conveniently located in Hamburg in Stonecrest Office Colony on the first floor with handicap accessible doors and close parking. We are Lexington’s expert therapy provider with speciality certifications and experience. We are currently the only maternal health occupational therapy provider in Kentucky! We help stressed children and families calm down and understand their body & brain. Email kim@beewellot.com to take the first step towards improving your cognition, focus, and executive function through specialized therapy at Sunny Day Therapy.