HabitCoach builds stronger executive function skills, one habit at a time.

Executive functioning skills are the brain-based skills every person needs to get things done. They enable us to plan, focus our attention, remember instructions, juggle multiple tasks, handle our emotions, control our impulses, adapt to change, manage time, problem solve, and more. Students must have them to operate effectively at school, work, home, and to function independently as adults. EF skills start developing in the first year of life and continue evolving until we reach our mid- to late-20’s. Having strong Executive Function skills is more predictive of school and business success than having a high IQ.

Weak executive functioning skills may first appear as academic issues, behavioral or emotional problems, or even as physical issues. Here are some signs to look for that would indicate your child is struggling with executive function. Does your child…

• have a hard time starting homework, projects, or chores unless you remind them?
• lose things like homework, papers, books, assignments frequently?
• make careless mistakes because they lose focus?
• struggle to control clutter in their room, desk or backpack?
• forget things regularly like books they need for homework, due dates, or permission slips?
• quit or get side-tracked while in the middle of a task or assignment?
• perform inconsistently at school for no understandable reason?
• struggle with multi-step instructions?
• speak or act without thinking?
• interrupt conversations or activities?
• struggle to wait their turn?
• get upset over small issues or changes in their routine?
• have a hard time being flexible when that’s called for?
• lack awareness of their behavior and how it impacts others?
• struggle to recognize their mistakes and how to fix them?
• procrastinate or have a hard time estimating how long tasks will take?
• have a hard time getting places on time or meeting deadlines?
• struggle with planning ahead or prioritizing tasks they need to do?
• fail to recognize social cues?
• get into arguments frequently or avoid conflict altogether?
• struggle to maintain friendships?
• have a low bar for handling any kind of frustration?
• have work habits that vary from day to day?
• avoid things they’re not interested in, but lose themselves in things they find fascinating?

ADHD or “Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder” is a brain-based condition that begins in childhood and usually persists into adulthood. It is characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior, and/or hyperactivity. ADHD exists on a continuum, which means that the severity of symptoms and challenges to daily life vary from mild to moderate to severe.

Children with ADHD always struggle with weak executive function skills such as following instructions, staying focused, planning and prioritizing, fidgeting, interrupting others, and managing their emotions.

Negative behaviors for kids with ADHD usually have a positive counterpart or “strength.” For example, those who struggle with impulsivity in the classroom may be a quick thinker on the tennis court. Those who get drawn into episodes of hyperfocus (intense concentration on a specific task that excites them to the exclusion of everything else) may use that passionate interest to write a book or learn a new skill. Also, depending on the severity of their ADHD, they may have both executive function skill weaknesses and strengths. If their working memory is strong but their organization skills are weak, a good working memory can help a child remember to write a daily to-do list to keep them on track. For this reason, it’s important to teach kids with ADHD new habits that help them play to their executive function strengths and work around their EF weaknesses.