Neurobiological perspective on the development of executive functions.

Executive functions are a set of top-down cognitive processes necessary for emotional self-regulation and goal-directed behavior supporting, among others, academic abilities. Premature infants are at high risk for subsequent cognitive, psychosocial, or behavioral problems even in the absence of medical complications and in spite of normal brain imaging. Given that this is a sensitive period of brain growth and maturation, these factors may place preterm infants at high risk for executive function dysfunction, disrupted long-term development, and lower academic achievements. Therefore, careful attention to interventions at this age is essential for intact executive functions and academic development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.