A child explains a complex scientific idea but cannot begin a simple worksheet. Another reads years above grade level but becomes overwhelmed when plans change. A student solves advanced problems mentally, yet routinely loses assignments, forgets directions, or shuts down during written work. The patterns can seem contradictory, but they are not. Some children have significant strengths or advanced abilities while also having a disability, developmental difference, or area in

When clinicians hear the words executive function, it is easy to think about the skills we traditionally associate with it: planning, organization, working memory, and time management. But executive function is much bigger than keeping track of homework or remembering what comes next. It is woven throughout a child's day. Executive function can influence how a child gets started, responds when something changes, keeps track of information, organizes actions, persists when som