What is it?
Executive function refers to skills that help us to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple step instructions even when interrupted, keeping information in our mind while doing stuff, shifting our attention to new things, stay focused despite distractions and stop impulses when necessary.
How do they develop?
While we are born with the biological foundations to learn executive functions, they develop through experiences and practice across the lifespan. For some people it is more difficult to learn these skills and more repetition and scaffolding is necessary.
What is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding basically refer to frameworks set up by others, often parents, that help kids develop skills. This can include setting up routines, breaking down big tasks into smaller parts, playing games with rules. Gradually the scaffolding reduces or changes as kids grow more competent.
What about 22q?
Many parents of kids with 22q have noticed that developing effective executive functions seems to be more challenging for their kids than for neurotypical children. Research has supported these observations and has suggested that these difficulties are linked to the genetic basis of the syndrome but not linked with overall intellectual abilities.
