I like this article as a good overview:
http://www.greatschools.org/special...tive-function-lens-to-view-your-child.gs

Executive function: A new lens for viewing your child
This theory of how we mentally navigate life offers a new way to view a child's strengths and struggles.
As each of us goes about daily life, numerous mental processes and skills help us plan for � and respond to � the tasks, challenges, and opportunities we face. Researchers and psychologists have coined the term executive function to describe this constellation of cognitive controls. The dynamics of executive function affect every one of us � young and old, as well as those with and without disabilities. It influences our performance at school, on the job, our emotional responses, personal relationships, and social skills. Yet executive function plays itself out a little differently in each of us; each individual is uniquely strong or competent in some cognitive control areas and weaker in others........