By: Mallory Carr, M.A., CCC-SLP
Executive function is a term used to describe the cognitive process of how people self-regulate, prioritize, plan, initiate, and attend to tasks. Oftentimes, we explain it to children (and adults!) as being the “boss” of our brain. The boss has to tell our brain what to do, how to do it, when to start, and what not to do.
What Children With Executive Functioning Experience Difficulty With
Impulse Control
All people have impulsive thoughts and things they want to do. As we mature, we are able to weigh our impulses/desires with specific situations and decide whether or not a specific behavior is acceptable. We consider our goals, the social setting, and the outcomes of our actions before we take them. Children with executive function challenges may have a harder time stopping the impulse to act.
It can be hard for kids to:
- Predict the outcome of a behavior
- Inhibit strong thoughts or emotions
- Understand the social impact of what they do
Task Completion
Completing different tasks relies on many executive functioning processes. We have to initiate a motivation to complete a task, plan steps, organize materials, maintain focus throughout the task, monitor time, and self-monitor throughout the process to make sure we are doing the task in the way we want to do it. A child with a breakdown in any of these areas will have a hard time completing tasks. A child might struggle to complete morning and/or nightly routines, getting ready for sporting events, completing regular chores, and completing homework.
Memory
We hold information in our “working memory.” This refers to a memory process that is separate from short-term and long-term memory where we manipulate information, consider, and make decisions. Our brains then sort information into short/long-term memory. Difficulty with working memory is a frequent symptom of executive functioning disorder. Challenges with working memory can show up in many different ways. For example, children often lose or misplace items more frequently, produce work that can be described as “messy,” lose their place when completing tasks or reading, and can process information incorrectly as they “lose” information that was presented earlier.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center Supports With Executive Functioning Difficulties
If your child has difficulties with their executive function, Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center is here to help. Our speech-language pathologists will evaluate a child’s language skills and structure tasks to identify challenges with their executive functioning skills. Your speech-language pathologist might also recommend further psychological testing to rule out or consider attention-based difficulties like Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For more information or to get started, contact ETLC today!
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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