Executive functioning skills are learned and refined throughout childhood. For children with ADHD and other learning differences, executive function disorder can hinder their abilities to thrive in a fast-paced society. For this reason, parents and educators are encouraged to understand executive functioning skills, why they matter, and how to empower young minds to grasp vital capabilities.
According to administrators at Currey Ingram Academy, executive functioning skills are the foundation of goal-oriented learning. Executive function skills include focus, multitasking, flexibility, planning, memory, and focus.
Executive Functioning Skills Bolster Academic Progress
Once children reach school age, they are no longer guided by their parents 24/7. While no kindergartner has fully refined executive functioning skills, self-control, mental flexibility, and working memory should be emerging at this point. If these do not develop throughout a child’s elementary, middle, and high school years, they may experience significant setbacks in the classroom.
Signs Of Executive Function Disorder (EFD)
There are many different signs of executive function disorder in children and adults alike. Constant lateness, inability to focus on multi-step tasks, forgetfulness, and frustration because of these things are common. People with EFD may appear to lose interest or become distracted in the classroom and even during social interaction. Adults with executive function disorder may lose their keys, wallet, or cell phone every day. Likewise, school-age children may misplace folders, textbooks, or technology.
What Causes EFD?
Executive functioning skills are not something people are born with. They are learned behaviors that must be taught, supported, and developed throughout childhood and into adolescence and early adulthood. Children with ADHD may be more prone to executive functioning deficits, which makes it all that more important to give these students the guidance and tools they need to thrive both in and outside of the classroom.
Setting Children Up For Success
Children with executive function disorder may need more guidance in their younger years. Parents and educators can work together to provide visual aids, organizers, schedules, and written/oral instructions. Allowing for transition time between activities is also important.
Ultimately, children with executive function disorder can overcome these challenges. With the help of patient and experienced educators, along with the support of their parents, these young learners can thrive in their academic environment. The executive functioning lessons they are taught will carry them into adulthood so that they do not experience the frustration and emotional turmoil that go along with having to constantly play catch up.
Currey Ingram Academy works with students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. Our program focuses on executive functioning skills, and each child is given an individual education plan that may specifically address executive function disorder. For more information about enrollments, contact us today.
