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ABSTRACT. Executive functions (EF) play a central role in the development of social and cognitive skills and academic learning. Objective: For this reason, this study aims to determine the relationship between executive functions and academic performance among middle school students in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. Methods: This study focuses on 137 middle school students studying at four colleges located in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. The sample studied was divided into two groups: the first consisting of students with learning difficulties; and the second considered a control. To assess EF, three tests were administered to learners in both groups (Tracking Test, Stroop Test and Number Span Test). Results: In the sample, average age of the learners was 14.5±1.3 years and sex ratio was balanced. The students with learning difficulties had lower performance on tests measuring cognitive flexibility, inhibitory processes and working memory compared to the control group. Conclusion: From these results, it can be concluded that students with learning disabilities performed poorly on the three basic components of executive functions. Therefore, thorough neuropsychological diagnosis would be desirable to identify learners who may have cognitive or behavioural disorders and allow adequate intervention to improve their executive functions and subsequently their academic success.

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The present study is designed to investigate the disorders of swallowing and feeding in children and teenagers suffering from cerebral palsy (PC). These disorders can have vital consequences dependent on the pneumonia generated by the false roads. This descriptive study was undertaken on a sample of 65 child and teenager suffering from CP between 2 and 17 years old, in the NorthWest of Morocco. For that we used the Gross Motor function Classification System, Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E & R) and a questionnaire of evaluation of the feeding and swallowing. Thus 10,8% of the patients were classified on level I of the GMFCS, 7,7% on the level II, 10,8% on the level III, 33,6% on level IV and 35,6% on the level V. 36,6% of children and 45,8% of teenagers presented frequent bronchial superinfections and that 51,2% of children and 54,2% of teenagers suffer from disorder of the transit,-standard constipation without laxative treatment-. 85,4% of children and 50% of teenagers need a third person to be fed, 70,7% of children and 54,2% of teenagers present false roads while drinking as 31,7% of children have orofacial malformations against 16,7% of teenagers. The retraction of the upper lip was observed at 73,2% of children against 29,2% of teenagers. Labial gripping during the feeding remains impossible at 82,9% from the total of children and 70,8% of the teenagers. Our study with also highlighted the existence of correlations between the GMFCS and which has occurred of false roads while eating and while drinking respectively with r=0,47 and r=0,77. It is necessary to bring to this population of children and teenagers the adapted and effective care, so that they will test a better quality of life.