Resources Help to Navigate Executive Function Issues in Children
Organization, problem-solving, and planning are all mental skills that we use on a daily basis. These skills are known as executive functions.
However, some children struggle with them, which can result in their having trouble keeping track of their schoolwork or items (such as bags or jackets), remembering assignments, or following directions.
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In a series of new resources, the Child Mind Institute notes that it is important to investigate the root cause of why some children can become distracted or disorganized.
Executive function issues are most common in children with ADHD, the Child Mind Institute notes, but children without that diagnosis can have them as well.
The institute offers support for children who struggle with staying organized in school and those who need help with working memory - or, keeping track of the information they need to finish a project or solve problems.
The institute’s resources explore whether a child’s disorganized behavior could indicate other underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, or a learning disorder.
Strategies for staying organized can’t address an undiagnosed learning disorder or help children who have experienced trauma. These children may appear forgetful or distracted, but may need different types of support, such as a neuropsychological examination.
The Child Mind Institute’s resources include: