Mental Health Minute
Associated Clinic of Psychology
Executive Functioning
"Why can't you just stop and think?" How many times have we heard that phrase? The prefrontal cortex (which isn't fully developed until the age of 25!) of your brain is where executive functioning begins. Executive functioning is the cognitive skills that allow a person to make decisions, plan, multitask, focus, use self-control, and remember instructions. People are not born with these skills; they develop with time through practice and modeling (and again, aren't fully developed until their mid-twenties!). When people have difficulty with executive functioning, it can impact their life at home, school, and leisure activities. It is also important to know that deficits in executive functioning can be correlated with symptoms of ADHD.
Executive Functioning Skills
- Remember Instructions
- Focus and Attention
- Organizing (backpack, desk, locker)
- Completing school work and chores
- Emotional Regulation
- Time Management
- Goal Setting
- Prioritize Tasks
How do I know my child is having difficulty with executive functioning?
- Late Assignments
- Losing or Forgetting Items
- Difficulty keeping areas clean
- Challenges with transitioning to the next class, assignment, activity
- Difficulty with sequence of steps
- Having trouble regulating feelings
How can a parent support executive functioning?
- Parents can use checklists at home for task completion
- Routines! The brain loves predictability
- Try using planners to track due dates, quizzes as well as anything that will be a change in the day such as a field trip, testing, or a school concert
- Visual charts
- Break tasks down into simple steps such as (clean toys off bed, put toys in bins, make bed, pick up toys on floor, put toys into bin, etc.)
- Organizing child's backpack such as having a separate folder for completing homework and a folder for homework that is not yet completed
- Notify child ahead of time if there will be a change or transition
- Guided practice: repeat & review
- Teach growth mindset: https://images.app.goo.gl/wYCqeGoF5QfxiPnLA
- Model how you manage your feelings by taking a deep breath, stretching, taking a quick break
- Access services such as mental health therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, tutors
Help is Available
If you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior, such as sleep problems, major appetite changes, behavior or mood changes, or anxiety that makes it difficult for them to function, seek out support and consultation. Associated Clinic of Psychology is here to provide mental health services to students and their families. Consult with your child's school counselor or contact us directly with questions. www.acp-mn.com or 612-455-8643.
Kelly Johnson
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