Kids born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England have lower levels of executive functioning - crucial skills involved in making plans, solving problems and adapting to new situations - at age four than kids born outside lockdowns, according to UK scientists. The team looked at 205 kids born during the first English lockdown. The children were assessed for language and non-verbal reasoning ability, and parents or caregivers completed questionnaires about their executive functioning - including emotional control, working memory, planning and organising, and independent problem solving. These kids had executive functioning below typical pre-pandemic levels and below what would be expected from the child’s non-verbal reasoning score, the researchers say, adding that a third of the children had executive functioning needs. Overall, language scores were at or above expected levels for age, but expressive language (how a child uses words to express themselves) was below what would be expected. The findings highlight the need to track kids born during lockdowns so extra resources and family interventions can be provided to support their development, the authors conclude.