Improving Executive Functioning Skills

Lots of people talk about children and teens having deficits in executive functioning skills. At the same time, people don't talk as much about what executive functioning actually is. Executive functioning is essentially the set of mental processes used for organizing, planning, sustaining/shifting attention, inhibiting responses/behaviors and other related items. Thus, time management and organization skills are very important components of executive functioning.

These types of skills are vital to a child's success in school and an adult's success in a job as well as with managing adult responsibilities (i.e., paying bills, getting children places on time). Therefore, having strong executive functioning skills are very important. 

Executive functioning deficits are commonly associated with ADHD. While medication certainly can improve focus, one's ability to sit still, and other related items, it doesn't teach children and adults basic strategies to improve executive functioning skills.

Therefore, learning basic time management/organization skills, and how to effectively implement them into daily life is very important. There are multiple ways to help your child, teen, and yourself improve these skills:

1) One-on-one therapy with a therapist who specializes in treatment for ADHD/executive functioning deficits.

2) Work with an ADHD/executive functioning coach who can help you or your child/teen with these skills.

3) Tutoring with a tutor who focuses on time management, organization, and study skills.

4) Use one of the many workbooks out there that provides these types of strategies.

In addition, there are a variety of programs around that help children, teens, and adults with these skills. As an example, I will be running a summer executive functioning boot camp for teens and young adults. This two hour intensive one-on-one session with me will help individuals learn new time management/organization skills and come away with a plan to actually implement using them: http://www.hellerpsychologygroup.com/#!summer-programs/c1rlw

The take home message of this article is that executive functioning skills are vital to successful academic, occupational, and social functioning. If your child, teen, or young adult, or even you, struggle with these skills, seeking help will likely lead to significant improvements in overall functioning, happiness, and life satisfaction. 

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Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in work with children, adolescents, and families, and is happy to answer questions and provide consultations for individuals who are considering pursuing treatment, an evaluation, or other services for their child, adolescent, or themselves. Dr. Heller can be reached at (301)-385-2610 or careyheller@thehellerpsychologygroup.com.

*Disclaimer: The previous information is intended as general guidance based on my professional opinion, does not constitute an established professional relationship,  and should not replace the recommendations of a psychologist or other licensed professional with whom you initiate or maintain a professional relationship*