Executive Functioning is the mind's ability to reason, solve problems, use judgment and make changes in order to navigate different tasks and situations. Simply put, it allows the mind to piece together multiple steps in a logical order to accomplish a goal. When executive functioning is impaired, people may be unable to handle complicated situations, find solutions to problems or compromise, which can often lead to frustration, withdrawal and even aggression.
The two activities below are designed to exercise the ability to plan and reach goals, large and small.
Conceptual Ordering prompts the client to arrange images in a logical order, starting with the first step in the process and ending with the final product. In the example, wheat is made into flour, which is then incorporated into dough, which is then baked into bread.
With Lacing Cards, clients follow prompts from his or her caregiver to form various patterns using a two-toned shoelace. This activity again involved thinking through and executing logical steps to reach a goal.
Remember, for both of these examples and all of the CTM activities, the focus is on the thought process, not whether or not the client reaches the end goal by organizing the steps in the right order.