How do I know if my child has executive functioning issues?

If your child forgets their homework, acts impulsively, has trouble staying on task or being flexible to new plans, they may have challenges with executive functions.

Executive functions are mental skills we use every day to get things done. They’re called “executive functions” because they help kids act as the CEO of their own thoughts and actions – and be able to follow through on challenging tasks.

Executive functioning skills for kids are important because they help them build strong relationships and succeed in school and work.

What is executive functioning?

Executive functions are life skills for kids that guide how well they’re able to manage daily life. Examples of executive functions include:

• Organization

• Self-regulation of emotions or impulses

• Planning

• Following directions

• Problem-solving

• Flexibility

• Starting and finishing tasks

Identifying problems with executive functioning

Kids under 6 may not show symptoms of poor executive functioning because they typically engage in simple tasks.

But as kids get older and more is expected of them, problems with executive functions can become more apparent.

A child with executive function challenges may struggle to:

• Pay attention and follow directions. Your child may have trouble staying focused, become easily distracted or forget multi-step instructions.

• Get started and finish tasks. They may procrastinate, need frequent reminders to begin homework or chores or have trouble completing what they start.

• Plan and stay organized. Your child may lose papers or belongings, struggle to keep track of assignments or have difficulty breaking large projects into smaller steps.

• Manage time. They may underestimate how long tasks will take, run late or have trouble meeting deadlines.

• Think flexibly and solve problems. Changes in routine can be especially difficult. Your child may become stuck on one way of doing something instead of trying a different approach.

• Manage emotions and impulses. They may interrupt others, act before thinking or have trouble staying calm when frustrated or disappointed.

Strategies for improving executive functioning

If your child has executive functioning issues, you may be able to help them improve their skills. You can try to:

• Reinforce positive executive functioning. Whenever your child tries to self-regulate, follow through on a plan or stay organized, praise them for their efforts – even if they’re not successful at first.

• Help them access helpful tools and resources. These include:

  • Study skills courses

  • Tutoring or study coaches

  • Daily planners to improve organization

  • Checklists or other reminders to help start and finish tasks

  • Memory games that reinforce and reward working memory

Children don’t necessarily know all the tools and strategies that might help them. So it’s important to provide them with various tools to help them figure out what works best for their individual needs.

When to seek support

If your child’s executive functioning issues have larger impacts on their life – like lost friendships or failing grades – you may want to have them evaluated by a pediatric neuropsychologist. An evaluation may include:

• Talking to your child for several hours.

• An interview with parents or caregivers to better understand their specific struggles and if they show up outside of school.

• Talking to your child’s teachers.

• Giving your child specific tasks to do that require executive skills.

• Evaluating whether your child’s disorganization is caused by a learning disability, ADHD, autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.

• Providing a detailed, written report of findings and recommendations.

A neuropsychologist can pinpoint specific executive functioning issues and give your child personalized strategies to improve them. They may also help connect your child to a learning specialist or help them get more structured support and accommodations at school.

With a neuropsychologist, you may also discuss the potential benefits of medication to help manage challenges with impulsivity, inattention or mood – or the benefits of working regularly with a mental health expert on improving a child’s overall organization, focus and flexibility.

For many kids, getting some type of extra support for their challenges with executive functioning can make day-to-day life feel a lot less overwhelming.

Find support for your child

If you think your child may be struggling with executive functioning skills, talk with your pediatrician. They can help determine whether your child may benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation or behavioral health support.

At Children's Health℠, our pediatric neuropsychology, psychology and psychiatry experts work together to evaluate children, identify underlying challenges and provide personalized care. Learn more about our Pediatric Neuropsychology, Psychiatry and Psychology services, as well as our Virtual Visit Behavioral Health program.