By SPOT Paediatrics
Ever wonder why some days your child can stay on track and other days everything feels tricky? That’s where executive functioning skills come in. These important brain-based skills help children stay organised, remember information, manage emotions, and complete tasks — all vital for school, friendships, and everyday life.
Executive functioning (EF) develops from early childhood right through to the mid-20s and is linked to the frontal lobe of the brain. Children with autism or ADHD often need a little extra support, but the good news is that small changes at home can make a big difference.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning helps kids:
- Stay organised and follow routines
- Remember what to do next
- Manage big feelings
- Solve problems
- Start and finish tasks
These skills take time to grow — and with patient support from adults, children can build them step by step.
Here, we take a look at some challenges your child might face, and how to support them through it…
Planning & organisation
Common challenges: Messy rooms or school bags, forgetting items, feeling overwhelmed by big jobs.
Try this:
- Create simple checklists for daily routines (morning, school bag, bedtime).
- Set up a “launch pad” basket by the door for school essentials like hats, lunch boxes, and permission notes.
- Pack uniforms, lunches, and bags the night before.
- Sort and tidy together: “Let’s find a home for your favourite school things.”
- Break big jobs into three easy steps (for example, get ready for school = get dressed → pack bag → shoes on).
Time management
Common challenges: Running late, losing track of time, rushing or stalling.
Try this:
- Use a visual or sand timer for brushing teeth, screen time, or homework.
- Give a five-minute warning before changing activities.
- Play a fun “how long will it take?” guessing game to build awareness.
- Use music as a timer — one song to get dressed, another for breakfast.
- Start homework with just ten minutes, then build up slowly.
Working memory
Common challenges: Forgetting instructions, losing focus, missing steps.
Try this:
- Give one step at a time when needed.
- Ask, “Can you tell me what you’re going to do next?”
- Use sticky notes or picture cards for reminders.
- Pair words with visual cues — point, show, or model the step.
Emotional & self-control skills
Common challenges: Big reactions, impulsive behaviour, trouble waiting.
Try this:
- Play waiting games like Red Light, Green Light or Simon Says.
- Create a calm-down basket with fidgets, headphones, or soft toys.
- Teach short pause phrases such as “Breathe first,” “Slow and steady,” or “Count to three.”
- Model calm behaviour: “I feel frustrated… I’m going to take a deep breath.”
Task initiation & motivation
Common challenges: Avoids starting tasks, procrastinates, “I don’t know where to start.”
Try this:
- Ask, “Would you like help getting started?”
- Begin with the easiest part first to build confidence.
- Use a three-minute countdown timer to kick things off.
- Try a “brain dump” page — write down all ideas before organising them.
Flexibility & persistence
Common challenges: Finds it hard when plans change, gives up quickly.
Try this:
- Preview changes early: “Today we’ll take a different way home.”
- Offer two choices to give a sense of control.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection: “You didn’t give up — that’s awesome.”
- Teach growth mindset language: “You haven’t mastered it yet, but you’re learning.”
Remember…
You don’t need to change everything at once. Start with one routine — perhaps mornings or bedtime — and build from there.
Children with autism and ADHD especially benefit from predictable routines, visual supports, and gentle encouragement. With patience and practice, every child can strengthen their executive functioning — and those small steps at home lead to long-term success.
Remember, small steps lead to big skills and confident kids.
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