Does my child have EXECUTIVE FUNCTION?

Hey parents and teachers,

This is Seth Perler, an executive function coach based out of Boulder, Colorado.

Today I’m going to talk about a question that many adults and parents ask:

“Does my child have executive function?”

I want to break this down so you can have more clarity and better understand how to support your child.

The simple answer is: yes, every child has executive function.

What you’re probably really asking is:

• Does my child struggle with executive function?

• Does my child have executive function challenges?

• Does my child struggle with executive functioning skills?

Those are the questions people usually mean when they ask whether a child “has executive function.”

Let me explain.

Everyone has executive function. The term refers to the functions of the prefrontal cortex—the front part of the brain—which helps us execute complex tasks.

The front part of the brain helps you, me, parents, teachers, children, and all human beings manage and complete tasks. In fact, other mammals, such as dogs and cats, also rely on similar brain systems to carry out tasks.

When it comes to children, the tasks we’re most concerned about are usually responsibilities and schoolwork.

I like those two categories because they’re broad enough to cover most situations.

For example, imagine a teenager wants to get a driver’s license.

Getting a driver’s license is actually a very complex task with many smaller steps. You need to gather documents, remember your identification, complete paperwork, schedule appointments, study for the written test, practice driving, take the driving exam, and much more.

It’s not just one task—it’s a series of interconnected tasks.

The same is true for schoolwork.

Writing a paper, studying for a test, completing a project, or finishing homework all require many smaller skills working together.

In order to complete a large task, the brain must be able to perform several executive functions.

Let’s continue using the driver’s license example.

First, the brain must be able to manage time. A person needs to plan ahead and meet deadlines.

Second, the brain must be able to organize materials and information. You need to know where your documents are and keep track of what is required.

Third, the brain must be able to organize thoughts and learn the information needed to pass the test.

Another executive function is prioritization.

If someone wants a driver’s license, they need to prioritize the tasks involved in getting it. That may mean choosing paperwork, studying, or practice driving over more enjoyable activities such as gaming, social media, sports, or hanging out with friends.

Closely related to prioritization is inhibition.

Inhibition is the ability to hold back the desire to do something more enjoyable in order to focus on something more important.

Another executive function is task initiation, or self-starting.

This is the ability to begin a task without excessive procrastination. For example, a teenager may need to start studying for the driver’s exam or begin completing the necessary paperwork.

Focused attention and concentration are also executive functions.

If you’re filling out forms or studying for a test, you need to stay focused on the task long enough to complete it accurately.

So when people ask, “Does my child have executive function?” the answer is yes.

The more important question is:

Does my child struggle with executive function?

And if so:

• Which executive function skills are difficult for them?

• How do those difficulties affect their daily life?

• What can we do to help them build those skills?

Ultimately, what we want is to help children develop enough executive functioning skills to accomplish the things that matter most to them.

Without those skills, children may struggle to achieve important goals, such as succeeding in school, pursuing a meaningful career, managing responsibilities, maintaining healthy relationships, and creating the kind of life they want for themselves.

So, to recap:

Yes, your child has executive function.

The real question is whether they struggle with executive function, how they struggle, and what supports can help them succeed.

Again, my name is Seth Perler. I’m an executive function coach based out of Boulder, Colorado, and I help struggling students navigate school and life more successfully.

If you’re watching this before August 23, 2019, we also have the Executive Function Online Summit for parents. It’s a free online event featuring experts from around the world who will help you better understand executive function and learn practical ways to support your child.

You can register for free with your email address.

I hope you have a great day.

Take care.