Executive functioning issues in children and young adults

What are executive functions?

Executive functions are the cognitive abilities that control and regulate most of what we do in day-to-day life, including the ability to initiate, plan and organize, set goals, solve problems, regulate emotions, and monitor behavior. Difficulties in this area can hinder your child academically, socially, and emotionally. While they are present from an early age, you may not notice problems with executive functions until middle school, when the demands for working independently increase.

How do I know if my child has executive function difficulties?

Some signs of executive function difficulty may include:

Keeping a messy room and a disorganized desk
Difficulty following multiple-step instructions
Trouble sitting still
Needing to be nagged repeatedly to get ready to catch the bus
Failing to complete assignments unless you’re standing over them
Forgetting to turn in homework even when it’s completed
Losing things regularly, from jackets to permission slips
Having a meltdown when it’s time to clean their room
Having difficulty planning and managing time
Failing to control the impulse to lash out when frustrated
Engaging in risk-taking or thrill-seeking behaviors

AT SCHOOL

Sample executive function goals on the IEP:

Given support and visual cues, the student will create a system for organizing personal items in their locker/desk/notebook
To tell an organized story, the student will place photographs in order and then narrate the sequence of events.
Given visual cues and fading adult support, the student will select and use a system to organize their assignments and other school work
Given a complex task, the student will organize the task on paper, including the materials needed, the steps to accomplish the task, and a time frame
Using learned strategies and given fading adult support, the student will prepare an organized outline before proceeding with writing projects.

For more ideas, please see https://adayinourshoes.com/executive-functioning-iep-goals-accommodations/

AT HOME

Tools and strategies you and your family can use today:

Use color coding to help organize. Try using different-colored bags for different kinds of gear, such as blue for soccer, yellow for ballet, etc. Use different-colored supplies for each school subject.
Make daily checklists of what needs to be done. Your child can list things to do and check off what is finished.
Use visual schedules. Your child can plan out the day by drawing a picture of the day’s schedule like a comic book. Or you can use picture symbols to do the same.
Use a locker organization system. Use shelves to group school supplies by class schedule. Help your child map out the best times to visit their locker and include locker visits on their daily class schedule.
Play board games. Board games require players to follow directions, take turns and plan strategies—three skills that may be tough for kids with executive functioning issues. Check out Understood's website for board games specific to improving executive functioning skills

Personal perspective on executive function difficulties

Kathleen , a young adult who has executive function difficulties, describes her experience:

Executive function affects a lot of things. It’s hard for me to keep myself organized and to have a routine. It’s hard to implement structure and organization in my life.

I like to color-coordinate different aspects of my life. So I have different-colored folders for bills and medical information, for example. I also use sticky notes everywhere! I always have a pile of them wherever I am so I can make notes and remember information. I use calendars to help me, too – I have three calendars so that I always know what’s next in my life. I need visualization to help me in every corner of my house.

Executive function problems can also affect my relationships. I get stressed out very easily when I can’t remember certain things because I’m disorganized. So my stress can transfer over to my relationships, too. Since communication is key in any relationship, I express what my limitations are straight away, at the beginning of my relationships. This limits the amount of stress involved.

Graphic image showing the word webinar and part of a laptop phone notepad and coffee cup

FREE Starbridge webinar

Executive Function Strategies

July 11, 2019 ~ 12:00-1:00pm

For families and educators. The presenters will provide concrete strategies that you can use to support children who have challenges with executive functioning. Learn more on our website .

Registration is required. Register today by using this link .

Additional resources

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities website:

https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/executive-function-overview-2/

Pacer Center website:

Using Smartphones, Watches, and Wearables to Support Executive Function for All Ages

https://www.pacer.org/livestream/?wksp=BB0BA4A1-08F9-4004-AAFF-37F861360181

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