How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Activities to Hone Brain Skills

Posted on October 14, 2022October 8, 2022

How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Activities to Hone Brain Skills

written by Adele Diamond, Ph.D., posted on Attitude Mag

Executive functions (EFs) refer to a family of mental processes that allow us to reason and think before acting, meet new challenges head-on and with flexibility, and stay focused and concentrate, and more. So essential are executive functions to our well-being that they have been described as the mental toolkit for success.¹ Often, EFs can be more predictive of academic and career success than either socioeconomic status or IQ.²

To improve any executive function, practice is critical. EFs need to be continually challenged — not just used — to see improvements. (That goes for both children and adults.) However, EF training and practice alone will not achieve the best results. EFs blossom most when we lessen things that impair them (like stress or sadness) and enhance the things that support them (like joy or feelings of belonging).

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"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"

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How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Activities to Hone Brain Skills

How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Activities to Hone Brain Skills

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