Executive Functioning

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Tips to help parents manage executive dysfunction at home:

1) Establish routines. Children with executive functioning issues must rely upon consistent routines to help them organize and manage their lives more independently.

2) Organize workspace. Minimize clutter and keep an organized workspace available for your child. For older students, create a color-coded filing system where they can store materials and work for different classes. Set aside a regular time to clean and organize this workspace.

3) Use visual aids. Use calendars to keep track of assignments and activities. Both daily and monthly schedules should be created and reviewed regularly. To do checklists also provide children with visual aids of assignments or tasks they are required to do. Color-coding of calendars, school materials, and files will make it easier for students to stay organized.

4) Use time management devices. For children with time-management difficulties, using a timer – on the computer, on a watch, or a visual clock – can be very helpful. For example, students can set periods for homework and break times and can see how much time is left in an activity. This will help reduce frustration and build independence in your child’s routine.

5) Structure transition times. Make sure your child knows when a change in routine is coming so he/she can adjust to it emotionally. You are also modeling how to appropriately plan for a shift in routine. Build structure into transitional times so a child knows what to expect. Use a graphic organizer or flow chart so that your child understands and can visualize each step of the transition.

6) Obtain 2 copies of textbooks so you always have one at school and one at home.