Executive function is an umbrella term for a set of higher-level cognitive skills that help us manage ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions. These are the skills that allow a child to plan ahead, stay on task, adapt when something changes, and follow through on what they’ve started, and is foundational to success at school, at home, and in social settings!
When a child struggles with executive function, it can look like many different things. They might seem disorganised or forgetful, struggle to shift between activities, act impulsively, or find it hard to follow multi-step instructions. These challenges are often misread as behavioural issues or a lack of effort, but more often, they reflect differences in how a child’s brain manages and regulates cognitive demands.
Our Occupational Therapists work with children to understand where executive function difficulties are getting in the way, and to develop practical strategies that support them in real, everyday situations. If your child has difficulty with any of the following, an OT can help:
