Unlocking Childhood Potential: Milestones in Executive Functioning Development
Executive functioning skills are the brain’s way of helping us plan, focus, and achieve our goals (Harvard University, 2023). For children, these skills constantly develop from infancy through adolescence, laying the foundation for academic, social, and emotional success. Let’s explore how executive functioning evolves in childhood and how understanding these milestones can guide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and caregivers in supporting growth.
Developmental Milestones in Executive Functioning
6 - 12 Months The earliest signs of executive functioning emerge in infancy, focusing on attention and memory development.
Milestones: Babies begin focusing on faces, tracking moving objects, and recognizing familiar people and objects (Pathways.org, 2023). They start showing essential working memory as they anticipate routines like mealtime when seated in a highchair (The Education Hub, 2023).
For example, infants might smile when they see their bottle because they remember it’s associated with feeding time.
Speech Therapy Connection: These foundational skills support early language development as infants need attention and memory to recognize and imitate sounds.
1 - 2 Years Toddlers begin exploring their world with curiosity, building on their ability to manage impulses and memory.
Milestones: Inhibitory control emerges as toddlers follow simple commands like “Don’t touch.” Working memory develops as they play basic pretend play, recalling familiar routines (Healthy Young Minds, 2023).
Example: A toddler might hold a toy phone and mimic a conversation they’ve observed.
Speech Therapy Connection: These skills help toddlers follow directions and participate in simple exchanges, such as naming objects or answering yes/no questions.
3 - 5 Years Preschoolers experience a surge in executive functioning, developing cognitive flexibility and self-regulation.
Milestones: Children at this stage can follow multi-step instructions, shift attention between tasks, and manage emotions more independently (Pathways.org, 2023). Sorting objects by color and shape is a typical example of cognitive flexibility.
Example: A child might switch from playing with blocks to helping clean up when asked.
Speech Therapy Connection: These skills enhance storytelling and conversational turn-taking, both crucial for effective communication.
6 - 11 Years In elementary school, children refine planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Milestones: Kids start managing their time better, doing homework independently, and adjusting to new routines (Harvard University, 2023). They also get better at setting goals and figuring out solutions to problems.
Example: A child might plan out their homework so they can finish it before heading to soccer practice.
Speech Therapy Connection: These skills directly support academic language tasks like writing coherent essays and following multi-step classroom instructions.
Why Every Milestones Are Important
When SLPs and caregivers know what to expect at each stage of development, they can spot potential challenges early and step in with the right support. For example, if a preschooler has trouble following a simple direction like "Put your shoes by the door," it could be a sign they need help with skills like working memory or self-control. Noticing these early signs gives professionals and families a chance to step in with the right strategies, for example, breaking tasks into smaller steps or using fun activities to boost focus and memory. When we tackle these challenges early, we help kids develop the executive functioning skills they need to communicate, learn, and connect with others.
Next Up: In our next post, we’ll explore how executive functioning continues to develop during adolescence, the changes in adulthood, and the role SLPs play in supporting these skills across the lifespan.
At The Big Picture SLP, we help you understand and support executive functioning at every stage. SLPs, subscribe to our newsletter for resources and professional training opportunities. Caregivers can book a consultation today at The Big Picture SLP, Speech-Language Services website if you're concerned about your child's executive functioning or communication development. Together, we can support your child’s growth and success!