No one is born with Executive Function – these skills are encoded into our genes but develop over time through experiences and practice. EF skills originate in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for complex cognitive skills, decision-making, and moderating social behaviour. This region undergoes significant development from infancy through early adulthood.
EF function first develops in early infancy, when babies first learn how to pay attention, and continues building through childhood, adolescence and early adulthood.
- Infancy to Early Childhood (0–5 years): EF skills begin to develop shortly after birth, spiking dramatically between the ages of 3-5. During this period, the brain exhibits high plasticity and can be easily moulded into developing EF skills. Responsive relationships with caregivers, structured routines, and play-based learning are crucial for nurturing these skills.
- Middle Childhood (6–12 years): Rapid improvements in working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control, linked to the maturation of neural networks and increased myelination (myelin is a lipid that forms around the axons of neurons, enhancing neural communication's speed and efficiency). During this period, children should be given opportunities to practice and hone their newly acquired EF skills by letting them make decisions, plan schedules, and manage small responsibilities independently.
- Adolescence (13–18 years): The prefrontal cortex further matures, leading to better decision-making and impulse control. However, adolescents may still exhibit risky behaviours, as their brain regions involved in reward processing are still maturing.
- Early Adulthood (19–25 years): EF skills mature as the prefrontal cortex fully develops. Young adults have the underlying competencies to handle goal setting, complex problem solving, long-term planning, and multi-tasking effectively.
The Neuroscience of Executive Function