Is your parental intuition trying to tell you something? Maybe you’ve noticed subtle but persistent challenges in your child’s learning progress, sufficiency with daily responsibilities, or social skills.
If you've also found yourself wondering, "Is my child actually struggling? Am I overreacting?"—you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll explore 3 signs it’s likely time to seek support for your child and why. By the end, you’ll feel more confident trusting your gut and taking action.
As a parent, you're often the first to notice when something's not quite right with your child.
But connecting the dots between what you observe and what is happening beneath the surface can be tricky. And identifying the right solution isn’t always straightforward.
One reason for this is the signs of language, literacy, or executive function (EF) difficulties often masquerade as everyday struggles.
Your child's reluctance to read, difficulty following directions, or struggles with homework might point to deeper developmental issues:
Language challenges might look like your child struggling to keep up in conversations or having a hard time explaining what they mean.
Literacy issues can show up as your child avoiding reading or writing tasks—not just struggling with school assignments, but even in fun activities, like reading a favorite book.
Executive function difficulties can appear as disorganization, forgetfulness, or your child feeling overwhelmed by basic tasks like getting ready for school or starting homework.
Your instincts are a credible guide.
If you’ve noticed any of these indicators and they seem to be holding your child back, it’s worth exploring further. Early action can make a world of difference for your child’s success and self-confidence.
To help you navigate this, let's explore, with a little more context, 3 signs that it may be time to seek professional support.
Sign #1: Learning Challenges
When it comes to your child’s learning, persistent struggles are one of the clearest signs that it may be time to explore additional support—even if the problem is hard to pinpoint.
Common Indicators for Learning:
Look for signs like:
Difficulty with reading or writing
Speech or language delays at any point
Challenges keeping up with schoolwork
Trouble focusing
(If your main concern is your child’s self-sufficiency with day-to-day & less about learning/academic performance, keep reading—I’ll get to that soon.)
Here’s why learning struggles deserve attention:
Conventional wisdom might suggest your child needs more practice or a different teaching method than their peers.
But ... what if they’re not processing information correctly in the first place?
Despite good intentions and best efforts, more practice often isn’t enough.
It’s important to note that gaps in knowledge or academic skills can snowball into bigger challenges later.
Some documented patterns suggest those who fall behind early tend to fall further behind over time. And unresolved needs can lead to frustration, lowered self-esteem, and missed opportunities.
So, even if teachers or doctors haven’t raised concerns, trust your gut. Acting now could mean the difference between long-term struggles or getting the right support in place now.
Learning & Focus Are Linked:
While we’re on the topic of learning—let’s talk about focus.
If your child struggles to pay attention, that’s a foundational EF skill tied directly to learning success.
You’ll want to investigate what’s causing it before those small issues with focus snowball into larger problems as school and life demands increase.
Sign #2: Daily Function Struggles
Is your child struggling with homework, chores, or daily routines?
Parents often mention:
"I have to remind X constantly to start or finish their homework."
"Getting ready for school is a daily struggle, even with a clear routine in place."
"My child seems overwhelmed by multi-step tasks, like cleaning their room."
These aren't mere inconveniences–they're potential signs of executive function weaknesses.
How Executive Functioning Challenges Impact Daily Tasks:
Watch for signs like:
Difficulty getting started and/or completing tasks
Struggling to estimate how long tasks will take (e.g., consistently running late)
Losing, misplacing, forgetting important items
Overwhelmed by tasks requiring multiple steps
While these challenges might seem minor now, they can have significant impacts:
Family Dynamics: Constant reminders and unmet expectations can create tension at home, affecting relationships and self-esteem.
Future Implications: These issues can evolve into more serious struggles with self-management at school or in future careers, where support may be less available and stakes higher.
Sign #3: Social Skills & Self-Perception Challenges
Your child's social interactions and self-esteem are just as crucial as their learning proficiency or ability to complete daily tasks—if not more so.
Often, social challenges stem from underlying weaknesses in the areas of development we’ve discussed: language and executive function. These can make it harder for your child to connect with others or navigate social situations confidently.
Social Skills Indicators
Look for:
Difficulty making or keeping friends
Trouble fitting in or feeling comfortable in social settings
Struggles in these areas can lead to a negative self-image. When a child feels like they’re falling short, despite their best efforts, it can erode their confidence over time. This is when the stakes rise:
Tension and conflict at home can increase.
Your child may begin to believe they can't succeed, leading them to avoid challenges altogether.
This cycle of avoidance and self-doubt can hold them back from reaching their full potential, both socially and academically.
If you recognize these signs in your child at any age, I encourage you to seek support from a qualified provider.
References:
Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive functions: What they are, how they work, and why they evolved. The Guilford Press.
Dawson, P. (2013). Best practices in assessing and improving executive skills.
McCloskey, G. et al. (2008). Assessment and intervention for Executive Function Difficulties (school-based practice in action series). Routledge.
Tera Sumpter, SLP
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