Executive Functioning Weaknesses

If your child is struggling across subjects in school and other areas of life, they could have Executive Functioning weaknesses. These weaknesses can persist in the absence of any other learning challenges, or can accompany diagnoses such as ADD/ADHD or other language learning difficulties.

What is it?

Executive Functioning is a term used to describe a set of mental processes that allow for self-management. Executive Functioning weaknesses affect our ability to manage emotions, take initiative, be organized, stay focused, plan/prioritize and recognize when we’re off track and figure out how to recover.

What does it look like?

Some indications that your child may be experiencing executive functioning weaknesses include, but are not limited to:

• Having problems with open-ended homework assignments (e.g., deciding what to write about when given a creative writing assignment)
• Frequently losing or misplacing belongings such as coats, gloves, sports equipment, etc.
• Trouble planning for big assignments (knowing what to do first, second, etc.)
• Difficulty setting priorities when there are a lot of things to do
• Difficulty keeping backpack and notebooks organized
• Trouble thinking of a different solution if the first one doesn't work
• Trouble finishing homework at night
• Not to checking work for mistakes even when the stakes are high

What we do:

We work closely with the student, parents and, when appropriate, teachers to develop strategies to be implemented across settings.  Each strategy is specifically taught and then practiced within functional activities.  Assignments are given to ensure these strategies are infused into all aspects of life.