# Executive Functions - Impaired executive functions might be a result of [[adhd|ADHD]]. - Also called _EFs_, _Executive Control_, or _Cognitive Control_. ## Definition - [What Is Executive Function? And How Does It Relate to Child Development?](https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-executive-function-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development) from Harvard. - ==[Executive Functions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4084861/) from National Library of Medicine.== [@diamondExecutiveFunctions2013] > [!important] Definition Executive functions (EFs) make possible mentally > playing with ideas; taking the time to think before acting; meeting novel, > unanticipated challenges; resisting temptations; and staying focused. > [!info] Three Core EFs > > - [[inhibitory-control|Inhibitory Control]] > - [[working-memory|Working Memory]] = Holding information _in mind_ and > mentally working with it. > - [[cognitive-flexibility|Cognitive Flexibility]] = Built on previous 2 EFs, > changing perspective spatially/interpersonally. ## Discussion > [!question] Feels like I'm fine with Working Memory (intelligence in general), > but the _Inhibitory Control_ is impaired, hence the _Cognitive Flexibility_ is > mostly fine but impaired partially!