Roughly 8.4% of children have ADHD. Kids with ADHD have difficulty with executive functioning skills, making it hard to pay attention, listen, and complete school work. Parents can help their children with ADHD improve their executive functioning skills by adding structure to their learning environment with checklists, tutors, timers, and planners. But what exactly is executive function? How do ADHD and executive function overlap? We’ll discuss teaching executive functioning skills to kids with ADHD below.
Table of Contents
What is Executive Function?
ADHD and executive function are closely related, so let’s break down the concept of executive function. It’s a set of mental skills that enables you to plan, organize, multitask, and keep yourself on track to achieve your goals. Key executive functioning skills include working memory, self-control, and time management. When someone finds it difficult to put these skills to use, it’s known as executive dysfunction.
Alright, parents, let’s get down to it. If your kiddo has ADHD, there’s a high chance—like 89%—that they’re wrestling with “executive function” issues. Think juggling tasks, planning, and all that good stuff our brains help us do. But hey, don’t jump to conclusions. ADHD doesn’t have a monopoly on executive function hiccups. Kids with anxiety, depression, or even those who seem scattered can face these challenges too. So, if you’re noticing these traits in your child, a chat with a healthcare pro is the real game-changer to figure out what’s happening. They can help rule out other conditions and pinpoint if ADHD and executive function are the dynamic duo causing a little chaos in your family’s life.
Read More: Executive Function Test for Kids
Assess Your Child’s Skills
| Step | Action | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Observe your child’s skills | Monitor your child during playtime, schoolwork, and self-care tasks, and note their strengths and weaknesses related to ADHD and executive function. |
| 2 | Note specific examples | Identify areas where your child excels (e.g., remembering song lyrics) and struggles (e.g., working memory). |
| 3 | Recognize emotional control | Observe if your child can control their emotions despite experiencing difficulty in completing tasks. |
| 4 | Consult an ADHD therapist | Work with a therapist to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s executive functioning |
Play Games
Games can help your child with ADHD develop executive functioning skills while having fun.
| Age Group | Activity Type | Benefits for ADHD and Executive Function |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers | Pat-a-Cake & Copying Games | Improves memory and task sequencing by remembering hand movements and lyrics. |
| Older Children | Board Games & Card Games | Enhances impulse control, rule memorization, and strategic decision-making. |
| All Ages | Sports & Physical Activities | Good for energy release, teaches teamwork and social skills. |
| All Ages | Smartphone & Tablet Apps | Designed to sharpen executive functioning skills like organization and time management. |
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
Tell Stories
Telling a story requires your child to put events in a specific order and use words they have read previously. You can ask your child to tell you a story every night or week. Once your child is comfortable telling stories, you and them can take turns telling a story. This helps them work on impulse control and learn about teamwork.
You can also read them stories in a book. You can find stories about children and people with ADHD, which can encourage and inspire your child. As your child gets older, you should encourage them to read books independently. Reading can help them learn about important topics and learn to focus on complicated subjects.
They can also figure out new ways to express themselves. If your child is creative, encourage them to write their own stories. Ask them to write an outline and edit their work, as these activities require your child to make a plan in advance and monitor their writing for errors.
Read More: Social Stories for Kids
Be Patient With ADHD and Executive Function
Many children take years to develop their executive functioning skills, even if they don’t have ADHD. They should continue to work on their skills even as an adult. It is okay if your child has a meltdown or experiences extreme emotions. Sit down with them and encourage them to channel their emotions into a positive outlet.
You can ask them to write in a journal about their feelings or have a conversation with a friend. It’s also okay if your child forgets something. Encourage them to learn from their mistake. They can write a checklist to remember what they need to do, or they can organize their belongings to make things easier to find.
Goally | Apps To Structure Your Kiddo’s Routine
Does your child struggle with transitions or staying on task? Goally’s visual schedule app breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning.
Start Teaching Executive Functioning Skills to Kids
You can start teaching executive functioning skills to kids once you’ve studied a few concepts. Executive functioning involves making plans, memorizing important facts, and monitoring emotions. Keep your eye on your child and pinpoint exactly what they need to work on. Then adapt activities, so they can constantly be improving.
FAQs About ADHD and Executive Function
What is the connection between ADHD and executive function? ADHD and executive function are closely related, with around 89% of kids with ADHD facing challenges in executive functioning skills like planning, organization, and self-control. What are the key executive functioning skills? The main executive functioning skills include working memory, self-control, and time management, which are essential for achieving goals and staying on track. How can I identify my child's executive functioning strengths and weaknesses? Observe your child during playtime, schoolwork, and self-care tasks, noting their specific strengths and struggles related to ADHD and executive function. Why is it important to consult a medical professional for ADHD and executive function evaluation? Consulting a medical professional ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your child's executive functioning skills and helps rule out any other conditions that may be affecting their abilities. How can I help my child improve their executive functioning skills? Once you understand your child's strengths and weaknesses, work with an ADHD therapist and utilize activities tailored to their specific needs in order to help them improve their executive functioning skills.
This post was originally published on December 6, 2022. It was updated on September 17, 2023.
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