Understanding and Supporting Children with Executive Function Challenges

Understanding and Supporting Children with Executive Function Challenges

Speech Therapy
July 23, 2025•3 min read

Understanding and Supporting Children with Executive Function Challenges

Executive function challenges can impact a child's ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks. As a parent, understanding these challenges and providing the right support is crucial for your child's success. Here's how you can help your child overcome executive function challenges.

1. Recognize the Signs Understanding the signs of executive function challenges is the first step. Common indicators include:

  • Difficulty with Planning: Struggling to plan and complete tasks, such as school assignments or daily routines.

  • Organizational Issues: Trouble keeping track of materials, belongings, or schedules.

  • Time Management Problems: Inability to estimate time accurately or prioritize tasks effectively.

  • Impulsivity: Acting without thinking and difficulty with self-control.

  • Memory Issues: Forgetting instructions or having trouble following multi-step directions.

2. Create a Structured Environment A structured environment helps children with executive function challenges thrive. To create structure:

  • Establish Routines: Create consistent daily routines for activities like homework, chores, and bedtime.

  • Use Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules or calendars to help your child understand and follow daily routines.

  • Organize Spaces: Keep your child's study area and personal space organized to reduce distractions and improve focus.

3. Teach Planning and Organizational Skills Teaching planning and organizational skills can help your child manage tasks more effectively. To teach these skills:

  • Use Checklists: Create checklists for tasks and activities to help your child stay organized and remember what needs to be done.

  • Break Down Tasks: Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less overwhelming.

  • Set Goals: Help your child set specific, achievable goals and develop action plans to reach them.

4. Improve Time Management Improving time management skills is essential for children with executive function challenges. To enhance time management:

  • Use Timers: Use timers or alarms to help your child stay on track with tasks and transitions.

  • Teach Prioritization: Teach your child how to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.

  • Plan Ahead: Encourage your child to plan their day or week in advance, using planners or digital tools.

5. Enhance Working Memory Working memory is crucial for following instructions and completing tasks. To improve working memory:

  • Practice Memory Games: Engage in memory games and activities that challenge your child's working memory.

  • Use Visual Aids: Use visual aids, such as diagrams or flowcharts, to help your child remember and organize information.

  • Repeat and Review: Encourage your child to repeat instructions and review information regularly to reinforce memory.

6. Develop Self-Regulation Skills Self-regulation helps children manage their emotions and impulses. To develop self-regulation skills:

  • Teach Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help your child stay calm and focused.

  • Set Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations and consequences for behavior to help your child understand and control their actions.

  • Model Self-Control: Demonstrate self-control in your own behavior and encourage your child to do the same.

7. Seek Professional Support Professional support can provide additional strategies and interventions. Consider:

  • Executive Function Coaching: Working with a coach who specializes in executive function skills can provide personalized support for your child.

  • Therapy: Occupational therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address specific challenges related to executive function.

  • School Support: Collaborate with your child's school to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan that includes accommodations and support for executive function challenges.

Understanding and supporting children with executive function challenges requires patience, consistency, and targeted strategies. By recognizing the signs, creating a structured environment, teaching planning and organizational skills, improving time management, enhancing working memory, developing self-regulation skills, and seeking professional support, you can help your child overcome these challenges and succeed in school and life. Your support and guidance are essential for their growth and development.

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It’s not just therapy—it’s your transformation.

I (Sheridan) used to be that visionary business owner with all the balls in the air. I had my master's degree in speech therapy and created a six-figure consulting business in that field. But I didn’t stop there. I created another six-figure business as a health coach, and then one as a business coach for good measure. But the whole time I was trading time for money. I worked a zillion hours a week. Don’t believe me? I have five kids, and in addition to the work stuff, I was an available and committed mother to my children – doing the laundry, ferrying them to activities, and on and on... By outward measures, I looked successful, but on the inside, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had hit a ceiling in my income and every incremental increase required more from me. I was in constant striving mode, trying to push myself to constantly do more. Until it all fell apart (even typing that makes me quake remembering). I had a major health crisis that caused me to pull the plug on 95% of my business. Almost everything came to a full stop. Which was the best gift I ever received. You see, working hard and learning more skills is not enough. Heart, vision and best intentions are not enough. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know what I was doing even though it looked like I did.

Sheridan Cotrell

I (Sheridan) used to be that visionary business owner with all the balls in the air. I had my master's degree in speech therapy and created a six-figure consulting business in that field. But I didn’t stop there. I created another six-figure business as a health coach, and then one as a business coach for good measure. But the whole time I was trading time for money. I worked a zillion hours a week. Don’t believe me? I have five kids, and in addition to the work stuff, I was an available and committed mother to my children – doing the laundry, ferrying them to activities, and on and on... By outward measures, I looked successful, but on the inside, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had hit a ceiling in my income and every incremental increase required more from me. I was in constant striving mode, trying to push myself to constantly do more. Until it all fell apart (even typing that makes me quake remembering). I had a major health crisis that caused me to pull the plug on 95% of my business. Almost everything came to a full stop. Which was the best gift I ever received. You see, working hard and learning more skills is not enough. Heart, vision and best intentions are not enough. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know what I was doing even though it looked like I did.

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