2e Executive Function Vocab and Focus Areas Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet is designed to help you better understand the executive functioning (EF) skills your twice-exceptional (2e) child may be using—or struggling to use—throughout the day. These terms come up often in our small group discussions, where parents share how EF challenges show up in real life: the backpack that never makes it to the hook, the meltdown over shifting plans, the great idea that never makes it onto the page.

We encourage you not to try to take it all in at once. Choose just one or two EF terms at a time to focus on. Use them to observe your child with curiosity, not judgment, and to start building practical strategies that support both their needs and their strengths.

And remember—executive functioning skills are learned and practiced over time. As adults, we scaffold ourselves constantly: setting alarms, using calendars, creating checklists, even preparing lunches the night before. Our kids need the same kinds of support, often in more visible and hands-on ways, as they practice these skills and discover what works for them.

Helping your child find what works for them will take trial and error, creativity, and patience. This vocabulary sheet is here to give you a shared language and a starting point for that process.

Core Executive Functions

Term	Definition	Where I See My Child’s Strengths or Struggles - Examples
Working Memory	Holding and using information in your mind over short periods	Remembering multi-step instructions like "Brush your teeth, pack your bag, and grab your lunch"
Inhibitory Control	Thinking before acting; resisting impulses	Blurting out an answer in class
Cognitive Flexibility	Adapting to new rules, changes, or perspectives	Transitioning from a canceled playdate to a new plan without melting down

EF-Related Skills

Term	Definition	What These Skills in Action Could Look Like - Examples
Planning	Mapping out steps to reach a goal	A child makes a list of materials and steps needed to complete a science project.
Task Initiation	Starting tasks without excessive procrastination	A student begins their homework when it’s assigned instead of putting it off until bedtime.
Organization	Structuring materials and spaces effectively	A child keeps a labeled folder for each subject in their backpack.
Time Management	Estimating and using time wisely	A teen sets a timer to spend 30 minutes on math and 20 minutes on reading.
Goal-Directed Persistence	Following through on a task even when it gets hard	A student keeps practicing piano every day, even when they’re frustrated.
Sustained Attention	Staying focused over time	A child reads quietly for 25 minutes without getting distracted.
Attention Shifting	Moving focus from one task to another as needed	A student transitions from free play to a structured classroom activity without melting down.
Prioritization	Identifying what’s most important and doing it first	A child finishes their book report before choosing to organize their desk.
Metacognition	Thinking about your own thinking and behavior	A teen realizes they’re getting distracted and moves to a quieter space.
Mental Flexibility	Trying a new method when stuck	A student who usually draws their ideas switches to writing a bullet list when stuck.
Delayed Gratification	Choosing long-term goals over short-term desires	A child saves their allowance for weeks to buy a more expensive toy instead of spending it immediately.
Impulse Control	Managing urges and reactions	A child resists the urge to interrupt and raises their hand in class.
Response Inhibition	Pausing to consider the consequences before acting	A teen starts to respond sarcastically but stops themselves, realizing it may hurt a friend’s feelings.
Adaptability	Adjusting to change or unexpected shifts	A child handles a substitute teacher or a cancelled playdate without shutting down.
Self-Talk/Internal Dialogue	Using inner language to guide actions	A child says quietly to themselves, “First math, then recess,” to stay focused.

Executive Function in 2e Learners (Video)