Executive functions are a group of mental processes we access and use when we need to concentrate and pay attention. Executive functions can be divided into inhibition (behavioral inhibition, selective attention, and cognitive inhibition), working memory, and cognitive flexibility which serve as a foundation for the higher-order processes of problem-solving and planning.

In this article I’m going to explain how you might know if your child would benefit from working with an executive functioning coach. I’ll focus on school-aged students (this includes college aged), but if you have a younger child, know that these skills start to manifest themselves in preschool-aged children. If you’re still unsure if this is a service your child needs after reading this article, you might want to consider our executive functioning assessment.

Executive functions will improve as children mature. In the early years, impulse control and working memory develop. As we get into late elementary and middle school years, children start to display the abilities of selective attention, goal-directed behavior, and self-control, which is also when we see the development of cognitive flexibility. In adolescence, the brain continues to grow and become more effective and efficient. Impulse control will continue to improve, and teens become more consistent in their application of executive functioning skills.

If your child’s teacher or doctor suggested executive functioning tutoring, that’s a straightforward way to know that it may be time to seek assistance. But if they haven’t mentioned anything, it doesn’t mean that your child isn’t demonstrating some concerns. Early intervention is a great way to prevent a larger problem from developing!

While I’ve divided potential signs below under the various EF areas, keep in mind that there is overlap of skill areas and there’s no “number” of signs that will tell you if your child needs support. Please contact us if you have questions but generally, if you’re seeing an impact in their daily life or academics, it’s reason enough to seek out support.

Inhibition

Able to start a task but becomes distracted and doesn’t finish
Trouble starting homework or tasks independently
Hard time starting a big assignment; stuck on details or dives right in without reading assignment directions fully
Moving on to another task before one is finished
Difficulty sustaining attention; easily distracted
Difficulty managing impulses, emotions, or behavior
Trouble listening to and following directions
Interrupts frequently
Acts without regard for consequences
Difficulty waiting or taking turns

If your child’s teacher or doctor suggested executive functioning tutoring, that’s a straightforward way to know that it may be time to seek assistance.

Cognitive flexibility

Struggles with rules or routines changes
Gets very upset about seemingly minor things
Difficulty navigating frustration or setbacks
Trouble transitioning between tasks

Working memory

Difficulty with recall or multi-step directions
Can only remember 2-3 things at a time
Difficulty memorizing or retaining facts and information
Inability to remember names or key details
Having difficulty putting thoughts or abstract concepts into words

Planning

Homework seems to take longer than it should
Procrastination with starting work or distraction during a task
Difficulty managing time or sticking to a schedule
Difficulty estimating how much time a task or project will take to complete
Difficulty finishing tests on time
Leaving large projects, papers or studying to the last minute
Difficulty putting together smaller actions to meet long-term goals
Inability to plan for future events
Doesn’t bring home correct books or assignments for homework
Disorganized desk/homework space, binder, backpack, and/or locker
Forgetting materials or forgetting to turn in completed work
Not knowing what assignments to work on or when tests are
Frequently misplacing papers, homework, and other personal items

Problem Solving

Difficulty shifting problem-solving approach even if current one isn’t working
Difficulty shifting plans when situations change
Feels overwhelmed at school

I hope this information has been helpful and we can support your child in working toward improving their executive functioning! For further reading on this topic, check out useful executive functioning supports like the Pomodoro technique and free apps and tools to support executive functioning skills.

About the author:

Tulin S. Akin is a certified school psychologist who has been working as a tutor and Executive Function coach with Chicago Home Tutor since 2015. Prior to CHT, she worked in public schools (elementary and high school) for eight years, after getting her specialist degree in school psychology for Illinois State University. Tulin works with students in all academic areas but has chosen to specialize in EFs after observing the affects of poorly functioning EF skills on student performance and long-term functioning. Her articles are based on reviews of current research literature, texts for practitioners, and hands-on supports for students through college age.

Executive Functioning Symptoms (Signs Your Child Might Need Coaching)