Finding Executive Function Help for Your Child You know your child is bright, curious, and capable—but it may feel like they struggle to show these qualities when it comes to school or other daily responsibilities. If your learner has a tough time staying on track with homework, getting organized, or planning their time, they may be dealing with issues related to executive function. In these situations, having the right executive function help can be a game-changer for learners of all ages. But what is executive function, and why does it matter? Broadly speaking, this term is used to describe the higher-level cognitive skills that allow us to plan, manage impulses, maintain cognitive flexibility, and more. Without strong executive function skills, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to manage time effectively, set and meet goals, switch from task to task, and much more. In other words, these are the skills that are invaluable to everyday living—not just learning and thinking. It’s also important to know that executive function skills aren’t static or ingrained. They develop over time and can be improved upon over the years. But building these skills can be an uphill battle when individuals are dealing with stress, lack of routine, cognitive differences like ADHD, and other factors. Let’s take a look at signs that your child may need executive function help—and how to explore options for support, like one-on-one brain training. Does Your Child Need Executive Function Help? 3 Signs Your Child May Be Struggling Because executive function skills play such a fundamental role in so many cognitive processes, the signs of poor executive function can range enormously. With that in mind, here are some potential indicators that your child is having a tough time: Struggles with time management. Kids aren’t typically pros when it comes to time management, but some may have a harder time than others. If your child frequently procrastinates, is often late, or has other challenges with time management, they may need executive function help. Overwhelmed by organization. Disorganization shows up in many parts of life, not just learning or school. If your child has trouble keeping their room organized or finding items, or if attempts to stay organized result in big emotions and negative self-talk, they may need more dedicated support to keep them on track. Difficulty moving from one task to another. Switching from one task to another may be easy for some, but it requires self-control and cognitive flexibility. If it’s frequently a challenge for your child to stop one task and start another, or if they hyperfocus on subjects they find engaging but struggle elsewhere, they may have difficulty with task regulation. It’s important to remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list of executive function challenges, nor a diagnostic tool for executive dysfunction. That said, if your child is dealing with these or related difficulties, you may want to explore executive function help. What Kind of Executive Function Help Will Work? Lack of executive function skills can be incredibly demoralizing for learners of any age, especially kids. It’s easy for them to engage in negative self-talk or to assume that others are innately capable of these skills. The truth is, with executive function help, these cognitive skills can be worked on and improved! With that in mind, here are some options to consider: Explore options with your child’s doctor. First and foremost, it’s important to assess whether executive dysfunction is related to cognitive differences like ADHD or autism. It’s always a good idea to discuss this with your child’s doctor to see if a diagnosis or other steps are needed. Identify potential pain points. Sometimes, you and your child can work together to identify where they struggle and take proactive steps. Creating a regular routine for homework, eliminating distractions, and using planners are all strategies that can help some learners. Consider one-on-one executive function help. For students who have a tough time with executive function skills, one-on-one support can be enormously beneficial! Options like brain training can be a great way to shake things up while getting them dedicated help. How LearningRx Can Provide Executive Function Help When it comes to one-on-one brain training and executive function help, you can confidently turn to LearningRx. We offer a range of supportive options for kids, teens, and adults, including cognitive skills training as well as learning-specific programs like homework help and studying help. We employ a targeted approach for every learner so that we’re always providing meaningful support for those areas where they struggle. With options like our test prep help programs, we work on cognitive skill-building while also encouraging practical strategies for note-taking, memorization, and much more. Our one-on-one approach is great for students of all ages, including those with ADHD and other cognitive differences. We make it easier for your child to get the support they need, whenever they need it! If your learner needs executive function help, explore brain training options with LearningRx. You can find your local Brain Training Center by visiting us online—or you can call us today at 866-BRAIN-01.