My Child Has Problems with Executive Functioning- What is It?
While awareness of cognitive Executive Functioning is not new, it is a fairly new term to many parents and educators. Many children, adolescents and adults are diagnosed with problems in Executive Functioning by a psychologist or psychiatrist. There are many other learning and/or cognitive issues that often interfere with a person's Executive Functioning, such as Learning Disabilities, ADHD, ASD, OCD and others. The following checklist defines several key areas of Executive Functioning.
managing and regulating behaviour and emotions
controlling impulses
focusing and shifting attention
flexibility in thinking
tolerating frustration
delaying gratification
being organized
managing time
problem-solving
Issues with self-regulation, organization and controlling impulses can be observed even in very young children. As your child progresses at school, the teacher may indicate that your child is demonstrating some of the issues noted above. You may have read them on your child's report card, under the heading "Learning Skills."
Struggles with any area of Executive Functioning can impact learning as well as social and family relationships. Fortunately, there are many wonderful strategies and resources for parents and educators. If you think your child is experiencing problems with Executive Functioning, talk to your child's teacher, doctor, therapist or psychologist.
Here is a list of some very useful and practical tools.
www.brili.co- a brand new, "brilliant" app for families that helps with visual scheduling and organization- "kid friendly"
www.parentbooks.ca- extensive resources for parents and teachers
"Smart but Scattered" or "Coaching Students with Executive Skills Deficits"- Dawson and Guare ( available at Chapters or Amazon.ca)
www.integra.on.ca- a comprehensive centre with resources for various Learning Disabilities for kids, youth, adults and educators
www.ldao.ca- Ontario chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association
http://www.ldao.ca/toronto-navigating-social-media-in-teens-with-lds-adhd- upcoming presentation for parents