Executive Functioning Support for Children in Des Moines Metro & North Liberty
WHAT IS EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING?
A person’s executive function refers to the management system of the brain. They are the skills in our brains that help us learn, work, and manage our daily life. Executive function skills are responsible for planning, organizing, starting, and following through with all tasks.
While we may not expect children to complete adult-level skills of organizing and planning, throughout childhood there are important markers of the development of that area of the brain. If you’ve received a diagnosis or have a suspicion of something resembling disorders like ADHD or an inability to stay focused, our speech-language pathologists may be able to help. Contact our offices for an initial screening to determine the next best steps for your child.
What Can An Executive Functioning Disorder Look Like?
Problems with executive function can present differently for each person. Common symptoms associated with an executive functioning disorder:
Difficulty starting, prioritizing, or completing tasks
Difficulty with focusing, maintaining attention, or shifting attention
Difficulty organizing their thoughts
Difficulty with time management
Difficulty with working memory
Some children may have challenges with organization in school, remembering instructions, or being able to complete independent work. Following a schedule, prioritizing and time management may be hard too. Kids may have difficulty with impulse control, and managing their emotions if they are struggling with executive functioning.
Executive Functioning Frequently Asked Questions
What are executive functioning skills in children?
Executive functioning skills in children refer to a group of cognitive processes that allow kids to manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. These skills include:
- Working memory (remembering instructions)
- Cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks)
- Inhibitory control (self-control and impulse regulation)
These skills are essential for school success, including completing homework, following directions, staying organized, and managing frustration. Executive functioning develops over time, with the brain’s prefrontal cortex continuing to mature into early adulthood.
Children with strong executive functioning skills are better able to plan ahead, stay on task, and problem-solve, while those with challenges may struggle academically and behaviorally.
What are the signs of executive function difficulties in children?
Executive function difficulties in children often show up as consistent struggles with organization, planning, and self-regulation. Common signs include:
- Difficulty organizing schoolwork, backpacks, or materials
- Frequently forgetting homework, instructions, or belongings
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks independently
- Poor time management or underestimating time
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Easily overwhelmed or frustrated
- Emotional outbursts when tasks feel too hard
These challenges may impact academic performance, confidence, and independence. Executive function difficulties are commonly associated with ADHD, learning disabilities, and language disorders, but can also occur on their own.
How can I help my child stay organized with schoolwork?
Helping your child stay organized with schoolwork starts with creating consistent systems and routines. Children with executive functioning challenges benefit from structure and repetition.
Effective strategies include:
- Establish a daily homework routine (same time and place each day)
- Use visual schedules and planners to track assignments
- Color-code folders and subjects for easy organization
- Break assignments into smaller, manageable steps
- Create a daily checklist for homework and materials
- Set reminders or alarms for transitions and deadlines
- Do a nightly backpack check to stay organized
These strategies help reduce overwhelm and teach children how to manage responsibilities independently over time.
What strategies help children with executive function challenges?
Children with executive function challenges need explicit instruction and support to build these critical skills. The most effective strategies focus on making thinking and organization visible and structured.
Key strategies include:
- Task chunking (breaking large tasks into smaller steps)
- Visual supports like checklists, schedules, and charts
- Timers and time-management tools
- Clear, step-by-step directions
- Frequent check-ins and guided support
- Teaching planning questions like:
- “What is my goal?”
- “What steps do I need?”
- Positive reinforcement to build confidence and motivation
These strategies help children gradually develop independence and improve school performance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
When should a child be evaluated for executive function difficulties?
You should consider an executive function evaluation if your child’s difficulties are ongoing and affecting their success at home or school. Warning signs include:
- Ongoing struggles with organization, planning, or completing tasks
- Falling behind academically despite support
- Frequent frustration, stress, or avoidance of schoolwork
- Difficulty managing age-appropriate responsibilities
- Lack of progress despite consistent routines and strategies
An evaluation may be completed by a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or speech-language pathologist, depending on the area of concern. Early identification allows for targeted interventions that can significantly improve outcomes.
Reputable Resource
How Can ETLC Help?
Our executive function therapy will improve your child’s ability to self-regulate their day. We will create goals to improve attention, cognitive flexibility, time sense, organization, working memory, and understanding and managing emotions.
How Do I Get Started?
1. Schedule a consultation
2. Receive an individualized plan
3. Watch your child thrive
Why Choose ETLC?
At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, we believe every child deserves to thrive with their communication and academic skills, and we know you want that too. Our specialists are trained in many research-based programs and strategies to create a plan specific to your child and their unique learning style. Together, we can help your child feel confident and successful!