Executive Function Disorder in Children: Signs, Support & Therapy

By DrSensory – Helping You Support Your Child’s Brain-Body Development

📌 What This Is:

A quick-reference checklist to help you spot signs of executive function challenges in your child—along with practical tips you can use at home.

🧠 Key Areas of Executive Function

✔️ Working Memory

• ☐ My child forgets instructions shortly after hearing them
• ☐ Needs constant reminders to complete steps
• ☐ Can’t hold multiple things in mind (e.g., “Brush teeth, then pack bag”)

✔️ Inhibitory Control (Self-Control)

• ☐ Interrupts or speaks out of turn frequently
• ☐ Acts impulsively or without thinking
• ☐ Has trouble waiting, sharing, or taking turns

✔️ Emotional Regulation

• ☐ Has strong emotional reactions to small problems
• ☐ Gets overwhelmed or “shuts down” easily
• ☐ Struggles to calm down once upset

✔️ Task Initiation & Follow-Through

• ☐ Needs frequent nudging to start homework or chores
• ☐ Procrastinates until the last minute
• ☐ Leaves tasks half-finished or avoids them entirely

✔️ Organization & Planning

• ☐ Loses items (homework, backpack, shoes) often
• ☐ Backpack, room, or desk is usually disorganized
• ☐ Struggles to break big tasks into smaller steps

✔️ Time Management

• ☐ Can’t estimate how long a task will take
• ☐ Struggles with transitions (e.g., leaving the house on time)
• ☐ Often under- or over-focuses on time-bound tasks

✔️ Flexible Thinking

• ☐ Becomes upset when routines or plans change
• ☐ Has difficulty with open-ended tasks or problem-solving
• ☐ Gets “stuck” on one idea or way of doing something

🛠️ What You Can Do at Home

• ✅ Use visual schedules and checklists
• ✅ Break tasks into clear, simple steps
• ✅ Try a “first, then” approach (“First homework, then screen time”)
• ✅ Use timers or alarms to teach time awareness
• ✅ Create quiet, clutter-free workspaces
• ✅ Practice calming strategies: deep breaths, sensory breaks, movement

📣 When to Seek Help

If you checked several items and these challenges are impacting your child’s daily life, consider reaching out to:

• ✅ Occupational Therapists (OTs)
• ✅ Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
• ✅ Child Psychologists or Neuropsychologists
• 👉 Find an Executive Function Specialist at DrSensory

💡 Bonus Tip:

Executive function challenges are not a reflection of laziness or lack of intelligence. With support, your child can learn strategies to build independence, confidence, and success.