Executive functioning is the brain's ability to plan, organize, remember information, manage emotions, solve problems, begin tasks, and finish them independently. These skills are essential for success at home, at school, and in everyday life.
Occupational therapy helps children develop practical strategies that improve independence and confidence.
Executive functioning challenges may look like
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Forgetting daily routines
- Trouble getting started on tasks
- Poor organization
- Frequently losing belongings
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
- Emotional outbursts when routines change
- Poor time management
- Difficulty solving everyday problems
- Trouble planning schoolwork
- Challenges with attention
- Impulsivity
- Difficulty completing chores independently
- Becoming overwhelmed by simple tasks
Recognize your child in this list? That's a good reason to reach out. An evaluation is how we find out whether therapy would help, and sometimes the answer is that everything is on track.
Our executive functioning approach
Treatment may include activities that improve planning and organization, working memory, attention, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, task initiation, sequencing, problem solving, self-monitoring, independence with routines, school readiness, and daily living skills.
Sessions are individualized, engaging, and designed around real-life activities.
Our goal is not simply to help children complete tasks during therapy. We want them to develop the confidence and strategies to succeed at home, at school, and throughout their community.
Have questions about executive functioning?
Tell us what you're seeing at home. We'll talk it through and help you figure out the right next step.
Other ways we help
- Infant DevelopmentEarly support for babies working on tummy time, feeding, movement, and sensory regulation.
- Developmental DelaysSupport for children working toward milestones at their own pace, with goals built around daily life.
- Sensory ProcessingStrategies for children who are overwhelmed by everyday input, or constantly seeking more of it.
- Feeding TherapySupport for selective eating, texture sensitivity, chewing and drinking skills, and mealtime stress.
- Autism Support ServicesChild-led, relationship-based therapy built around each child's strengths, interests, and goals.
- Fine Motor SkillsHand strength, grasp, and visual motor skills for writing, cutting, dressing, and play.
- School ReadinessHandwriting readiness, attention, transitions, and the self-care independence school expects.