How to Identify Your Child's Executive Function Strengths and Weaknesses
Every child has a unique executive functioning profile. This means each one will demonstrate different strengths and weaknesses in the cognitive processes that help them manage and regulate their thoughts, actions, and emotions. When you're just beginning to understand how executive function affects your child's performance, recognizing these strengths and weaknesses can be challenging.
So, how can you start identifying where your child does well and where they need support?
Observe your child at home.
Notice how your child manages tasks like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and preparing for school. Do they need constant reminders, or can they complete these tasks independently?
Pay attention to how your child approaches homework. Do they start tasks on their own, stay focused, and complete assignments on time?
Observe how your child deals with unexpected problems or changes in routine. Are they able to come up with solutions, or do they get easily frustrated and seek help?
Observe your child’s interactions with their siblings. Do they take turns, follow group rules, and manage conflicts effectively?
Check how your child is doing at school. Their teachers can provide some insight into their performance, especially in comparison to peers in the same grade level. These are some of the questions you can ask:
Is my child able to easily transition between activities?
Do they get easily distracted, and if so, by what?
Do they keep their desk, locker, and backpack organized?
Are they able to keep track of assignments and due dates?
Do they begin tasks independently, or do they need prompting?
Want to go on a deeper dive to understand their executive functioning skills? Here’s a guide to help you identify their strengths and weaknesses across different executive function domains:
Working Memory
Examples to Observe:
Does your child remember multi-step directions for chores and tasks?
Your child demonstrates strength in this area if they can remember and follow through on complex instructions without frequent reminders. However, if they consistently require prompting, misunderstand instructions, and rely on writing everything down, it suggests that this may be an area of weakness.
Organization
Examples to Observe:
Does your child keep their room and workspace orderly?
Are they able to keep track of their belongings?
Your child demonstrates strength in this skill if they consistently maintain a tidy space with minimal support from parents. However, if their room or workspace is often messy and dirty, and they frequently lose things, it indicates that this may be an area where they need additional support
Time Management
Examples to Observe:
Does your child finish their homework and projects on time?
Do they use planners, calendars, or timers to organize their tasks and manage their time?
Your child demonstrates strength in time management if they consistently handle tasks without last-minute rushes, whether or not they use time management systems. However, if they often procrastinate and struggle to complete tasks on time, it tells us that this may be an area that needs support.
Getting Started
Examples to Observe:
Does your child start tasks without needing reminders?
Are they able to begin routine tasks like chores and homework independently?
Your child demonstrates strength in this skill if they start tasks on their own without much hand-holding. However, if they require frequent prompting, encouragement, and accountability, you’ll know this is an area of weakness.
Focus & Follow-Through
Examples to Observe:
Can your child concentrate on homework when it’s time to do it?
Do they finish what they start, like a short book or a movie?
This skill area may be the easiest to observe. If your child has a short attention span, the signs are almost always obvious. For instance, they might start multiple activities but struggle to complete any, frequently becoming distracted by new ideas or objects in their environment.
Planning & Prioritizing
Examples to Observe:
Does your child make plans for school projects or leisure activities?
Can they set up a workflow for longer projects and follow it?
Your child demonstrates strength in goal-setting and follow-through if they can set realistic goals and execute their plans. However, if they struggle to work independently without your hands-on support in planning, it suggests this may be an area of weakness.
Impulsivity
Examples to Observe:
Does your child consider the long-term consequences of their actions rather than acting impulsively in the heat of the moment?
Can they think before speaking rather than blurting out what’s on their mind?
Your child demonstrates strength in this skill if they can take a moment to think before reacting. For instance, if your child is able to choose to walk away from an argument without throwing a punch when they get agitated, that shows good inhibition. However, if they frequently speak without a filter and get into trouble because of rash decisions and actions, it indicates that this is an area where they may benefit from support.
Flexible Thinking
Examples to Observe:
Can your child adapt to different teachers’ rules and expectations?
Are they able to compromise and adjust to others' wishes in family situations?
Your child demonstrates strength in this skill if they can accommodate schedule changes or show openness to new ideas. However, if they struggle with transitions and making compromises every now and again, this may be an area that requires support.
Emotional Control
Examples to Observe:
Does your child understand and manage their emotions effectively?
Can they deal with frustrations and setbacks without significant distress?
Your child demonstrates strength in this skill if they remain calm in challenging situations and have healthy coping mechanisms to support their emotional regulation. However, if they frequently experience emotional outbursts or meltdowns, it suggests that this area may require additional support in developing more effective emotional management strategies.
Self-Awareness
Examples to Observe:
Is your child aware of their strengths and challenges?
Do they understand how their behavior impacts others and make adjustments if needed?
Your child demonstrates strength in this skill if they are able to self-reflect and accept mistakes when provided with feedback. However, if they tend to unintentionally hurt others through their actions without understanding why, it tells us that this may be an area that needs support.
These questions only serve as a starting point for understanding your child's executive functioning skills. Evaluating cognitive processes requires a more nuanced approach. A deeper analysis is often needed to fully grasp their unique executive functioning profile. At HabitCoach, we always start our work with our clients with a full Executive Function evaluation so you can see your child’s Executive function strengths and weaknesses.
If you would like to learn more about your child's executive function strengths and weaknesses, consider seeking additional support from a professional. Habit Coach can provide tailored assessments and strategies to help your child thrive.
