Somatic Executive Function Glossary

Somatic Executive Function

An approach to executive functioning that recognizes planning, initiation, organization, and follow-through as state-dependent nervous system processes. Somatic executive function support prioritizes regulation, capacity, and safety so cognitive tools can actually be used.

Executive Function (EF)

A set of cognitive processes including planning, working memory, task initiation, emotional regulation, time management, and self-monitoring. Executive function is not a personality trait and is highly sensitive to stress, environment, and nervous system state.

Dysregulation

A nervous system state in which stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, or collapse) interfere with cognition, communication, and executive function. Dysregulation often presents as procrastination, irritability, shutdown, or overwhelm.

Executive Dysfunction

Difficulty accessing executive function skills due to neurological, physiological, or environmental factors. Executive dysfunction often fluctuates and is commonly misinterpreted as laziness, avoidance, or lack of motivation.

Task Initiation

What makes you different?

The ability to begin a task. Task initiation difficulties are often rooted in nervous system threat responses, uncertainty, or overload.

A functional state in which the nervous system can engage, process information, initiate tasks, and recover from stress. Regulation does not mean calm it means capacity to respond

The suppression or compensation of neurodivergent traits to meet external expectations. Masking increases cognitive load and nervous system strain and often leads to delayed burnout or executive function collapse.

Mask

Nervous System Regulation

Task Switching

The ability to move between tasks or cognitive states. Task switching is particularly taxing for neurodivergent nervous systems and contributes significantly to fatigue and shutdown. questions along the way.

Co-Regulation

The process of stabilizing nervous system states through relational support, shared structure, or external containment. Co-regulation is developmentally appropriate across the lifespan.

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Cognitive Load

The total mental effort required to process information, make decisions, and manage tasks. High cognitive load reduces executive function access, especially for neurodivergent individuals and caregivers.

Invisible Labor

Unacknowledged cognitive and emotional work. That significantly impacts executive function capacity.