Executive functions are the decision-making and planning processes that are invoked at the onset of a task and in the face of a novel challenge. Fundamentally, they are directly involved with inhibition, working memory, and motor planning. Executive functions are involved in defining and solving the problem at hand, which requires inhibition and impulse control to analyze and plan before acting. These skills are required to organize one’s thoughts and actions.Self-regulation is a sub-construct of executive functioning, and is an area that can be improved through sensory integration therapy by addressing one’s ability to consistently access these higher-level brain functions, rather than remain in a frequent neurological state of “fight or flight.” Additionally, the use of social emotional curricula including the Alert Program, the Zones of Regulation, and Social Thinking can help improve these skills. Improving self-regulatory processes improves executive control. These are central to cognitive, linguistic, behavioral, and affective control, all of which are fundamental to learning and academic success.For more information on Executive Functions and Self-Regulation, please contact us.