Executive Functions in Primary School Children

Abstract

Introduction:Executive functions are an umbrella term for management(regulation and control) of cognitive processesincluding working memory, task flexibility, emotion regulation, initiation, inhibition and planning and organization.This study aims to assess executive functions among primary school children.Subject and Method: Ninety participants were collected according to the random sample technique. They were subjected to assessment protocol. Accordingly, they were classified further into 2-groups:Group (1): the casegroup which contained the children who exhibit signs of ADHD and SLD.Group (2): the control group which are the children who are free from any disorders.Children underwent “Draw a man Test” and their pictures were manually scored. The children who exhibited signs of ADHD and/or specific learning disorder were further studied by using questionnaires for ADHD and SLD. A checklist of Comprehensive Executive Function inventory (CEFI) was given to the teacher to be completed. Results:In the males, the number of males who scored average in the CEFI was 25 (39.7%), low average 7 (53.8%) below was 2 (40.0%). One child scored high average and superior in the CEFI. In the females, the highest number scored average 38 (60.3%), followed by high average and low average 7 and 6 respectively. Three females scored below. No female scored superior in the CEFI. The highest scores were seen in the flexibility scale, While the lowest score was seen in working memory scale. Conclusion:The highest scores were seen in the flexibility scale, which indicates that the Egyptian environment might positively affect the children's. While the lowest score was seen in working memory scale. Which indicates that the learning by rote might affect the children's executive functions. Key Words Executive functions, ADHD, and specific learning disorder (SLD).