I’m often asked, “How does executive functioning tie into your services?”
Considering conversations about executive functioning (EF) typically revolve around study skills (which are related, but don’t tell the full story), it’s a fair question.
Because language, literacy, and self-direction are deeply rooted in cognitive function,
I’ve had to become intimately familiar with the influence and importance of EF.
Let’s dive into what you need to know about EF and your child’s struggle to read or write, connect with peers, or complete and turn in their homework.
I’ve had people say, "I know executive functioning is important BUT isn’t it just about study skills and being organized?"
(btw—executive functioning is the cognitive🧠system responsible for directing thoughts, emotions, & actions to achieve a goal ... And it’s so much more than just 'being organized.')
That’s understandable.
When people think about executive functioning, they often think of higher-order skills–planning, prioritizing, time management, and decision-making.
But EF influences much more—including learning, socializing, and self-direction.
The better we understand it, the better equipped we’ll be to deliver children, teens, and young adults the tools they need to succeed.
I hope this blog helps you understand the relationship between executive functioning & learning, communication, and self-direction.
Executive function's role in learning (e.g., speech & language development; concept knowledge; reading & writing skills)
Kids learn from the world around them, constantly processing information from their environment, teachers, and peers to learn new ideas and skills.
But what happens when something disrupts that process?
When a child’s executive functioning system is “offline,” they can miss crucial information.
The executive function system is the brain’s control center, orchestrating the learning process. When all systems involved in the learning process are working as needed we see skills like:
Reading & writing
Recalling & retaining information from class
Following directions & staying focused during a task
Generating & organizing ideas
Executive Functioning & Social Skills
Surprisingly, strong executive functioning is also key to navigating social interactions.
When EF is weak, it can be hard to:
Pay attention to what others are saying (attention)
Read social cues (awareness)
Remember key points in a conversation until it’s their turn to speak (working memory)
Hold back from interrupting (inhibition)
Executive Functioning, Self-direction & Independence
Executive function challenges vary for each person and present differently across ages.
So while speech, language, and learning may have never been areas of concern, when it comes to self-direction (e.g., completing homework & managing other responsibilities at school, home, & work) a child, teen, or young adult may appear:
Forgetful (e.g., require constant reminders)
Distracted/constantly off-task
Careless (e.g., not checking their work)
Disorganized
Lazy
Overwhelmed
They may struggle with:
being ready & showing up on time
being prepared with materials, forms, and assignments,
getting started on homework or chores
planning for and completing book reports, presentations, and essays
studying for tests
When your child faces challenges in meeting school or home responsibilities, it can seem like it is a choice they are making.
Recognizing that every task relies on this still-developing* cognitive system can trigger a powerful mindset shift.
*On average, the executive functioning system is not fully developed until age 25, with higher-order skills developing later.
Whether you're just beginning to support your child's needs or have been navigating this path for some time, I hope this has helped highlight the role of executive functioning in their development—& why considering it could lead to meaningful change.
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