Executive Function Disorders 

Executive functioning skills are the skills that help you accomplish everyday tasks. They’re controlled by the part of the brain called the Frontal Lobe. If it is not working properly, your behavior becomes less controllable. This can be seen by certain actions that may seem simple for others. Having troubling with certain skills can be diagnosed as an Executive Functioning Disorder (EFD). While it is not an actual medical condition, people who suffer from it have a weaker self-management system compared to others. For example, if you are having trouble with executive function skills, like someone with ADHD, depression, or learning disabilities, you may struggle with the following tasks:

• Paying Attention

• Remembering things / Keeping track

• Organizational Tasks

• Time Management

• Creative Thinking

Symptoms to look out for at home:

When trying to figure out if your child is suffering from an executive function disorder it’s crucial that you keep an eye out for the following signs:

• You tell your child to “do your homework”, and when you go back later to check nothing has been done.

  • The task is only completed with your assistance and structure

• You tell your child to “get ready for bed”, but once they go upstair they become distracted by other things.

• Their rooms are not organized

  • I.e. clothes are all over the floor or hanging out of draws

• If you ask your child to repeat what you just said, they have trouble re-telling it and wind up leaving out the important details.

• They have trouble playing teaming sports

Symptoms to look out for at school:

Just like at home, children who suffer from EFD will likely display signs during school. If any of the following symptoms resonate with your child, they may be having difficulties learning. Look for the following identifiers when it comes to EFD and school:

• Your child spends a lot of time daydreaming

• They aren’t finishing their classwork

• Your child engages more when it comes to verbal tasks

• They have trouble finishing assignments when they aren’t working with a classmate or the teacher

• They lose assignments, jackets, or their belongings often while at school

• Constantly forgetting the proper books or materials needed to do their work

• Difficulty solving problems with multiple steps

If you notice your child is having trouble with anything we just discussed it may be time to contact a doctors office for help. Luckily, there is a Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Gym located in Nassau County, NY dedicated to helping each and every child reach their full potential. Contact Therapy Services of Greater New York today to set up an appointment!