3 Foundational Executive Function Skills

You can’t build a sturdy house without a solid foundation – and executive function is no different.

If you’ve ever worked with me, you know that I’m passionate about strengthening foundational executive function (EF) skills first. These are the building blocks that support higher-level skills like planning, organization, flexibility, initiation, time management, and self-monitoring.

When foundational skills are shaky, higher-level EF demands often feel overwhelming or inconsistent. But when the foundation is strong, everything built on top becomes more stable and efficient.

Let’s take a closer look at 3 core foundational executive function skills that I focus on early: attention, working memory, and inhibition.

1. Attention: The Gateway Skill

Attention is more than just “paying attention.” It’s a multi-step process that includes:

• Perception: Being aware of yourself and what’s happening in your environment

• Focus: Directing attention to a specific person, object, or task

• Sustained attention: Holding that focus over time

For example, listening to someone speak in a busy room requires all three. You must notice the speaker, tune out competing distractions, and maintain attention long enough to understand the message. When attention is fragile, learning, conversations, and task completion all become harder.

2. Working Memory: Holding and Using Information

Working memory is the ability to hold information in your mind and do something with it.

This might include:

• Remembering instructions long enough to follow them

• Holding onto what someone said until it’s your turn to respond

• Connecting new information with what you already know

In everyday life, working memory allows us to stay engaged in conversations, follow multi-step directions, and problem-solve in real time.

3. Inhibition: The Brain’s Brake System

Inhibition is our ability to pause, filter, or stop ourselves when something isn’t appropriate or helpful in the moment.

This includes:

• Not interrupting or blurting out

• Ignoring irrelevant thoughts or distractions

• Resisting impulses that don’t match the situation

Strong inhibition helps us stay regulated, socially appropriate, and focused on the task at hand.

Why This Foundation Matters

When attention, working memory, and inhibition are supported, higher-level executive function skills have something solid to stand on. Whether we’re working with children, teens, or adults – especially those with ADHD, learning differences, or concussion-related challenges – starting with a solid foundation makes progress more meaningful and sustainable.

Strong executive function doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built intentionally, layer by layer –starting at the base.

Jenny Traver, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Curious about Executive Function Coaching? Reach out to Jenny at jenny@cognitiveslp.com