Executive functioning and Toxic stress

[Rose]

Executive functioning is the ability to manage lots of information and avoid distractions. It is comprised by your ability of inhibitory control (stopping what you're doing, for example to give another child a turn with a toy), your working memory (your ability to remember what you were doing before you stopped and continue where you left off, for example playing with the ball again when it is your turn again), and your mental flexibility (being able to adapt to changes, for example shifting to playing tag instead if the other child changes what they're doing).
Toxic stress is prolonged stress that is usually not cushioned by the support of a caregiver, and can cause permanent damage to the developing brain. (i.e. chronic neglect, domestic abuse, severe poverty, etc.)