The development of executive functions at the turn of a child's life.

Abstract

Executive functions, also known as cognitive control functions, are complex mental processes necessary for the complex, multi-stage and purposeful human functioning, intended action and behavior. The article distinguishes and characterizes a group of selected executive processes: planning, cognitive control, inhibition, thinking flexibility, verbal fluency and working memory. The development of executive functions at the turn of a child's life is also discussed.