Executive Functioning Support

What is Executive Functioning?

Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes that enable the cognitive control of behavior. These functions are essential for goal-directed activities, allowing individuals to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Approximately 20% of children encounter significant challenges with executive functioning during their developmental years, which can impact their ability to navigate the demands of childhood and adolescence.

Children or adolescents with weak executive functioning skills may struggle with the following:

• Task Initiation: Difficulty starting tasks independently
• Managing Distractions: Challenges in maintaining focus amidst distractions
• Low Interest / Low Motivation: Lack of engagement or enthusiasm for tasks
• Note-Taking: Ineffective note-taking or difficulty organizing information
• Difficulty Sleeping: Struggles with sleep patterns that impact daily functioning
• Long-Term Planning: Trouble organizing and planning for future tasks or goals
• Goal Setting and Execution: Difficulty setting realistic goals and following through
• Daily Planning Systems: Inconsistency in using planners or organizing daily tasks
• Self-Reflection: Limited ability to assess one’s own performance and make adjustments
• Prioritization: Challenges in determining the importance of tasks
• Coping: Struggles with managing stress or emotions in challenging situations
• Self-Advocacy: Difficulty expressing needs or seeking help when necessary
• Growth Mindset: Resistance to learning from mistakes or embracing challenges
• Social Thinking: Difficulty understanding social cues and interacting appropriately
• Impulsivity/Inhibition: Trouble controlling impulses or delaying gratification
• Problem-Solving: Struggles with generating solutions to problems
• Cognitive Flexibility: Difficulty adapting to new situations or shifting perspectives
• Study Skills: Inefficient study habits that impact academic performance
• Test-Taking/Anxiety: High levels of anxiety during tests, affecting performance
• Presentation Anxiety: Fear or anxiety when speaking or presenting in front of others
• Self-Efficacy: Low confidence in one’s ability to succeed in tasks
• Working Memory: Difficulty holding and manipulating information in mind
• Organization: Challenges in keeping track of materials and assignments
• Difficulty Going to School or Maintaining Friendships: Struggles with attendance or social relationships

An educational therapist plays a crucial role in identifying how a child learns and developing an individualized approach to address these challenges. By using evidence-based strategies, we help children and adolescents gain a deeper understanding of their abilities, fostering behavioral changes that lead to long-lasting improvements in skill mastery and overall well-being.