Executive functioning: What parents must know about the influence on learning & more.

I'm often asked, "How does executive functioning tie into your services?"

It's a fair question, especially since conversations about executive functioning typically revolve around study skills—which are related, but don't tell the full story.

Because language, literacy, and self-direction are deeply rooted in cognitive function, I've become intimately familiar with the influence and importance of executive functioning (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.

Executive functioning is more than study skills and organization

I've had parents say, "I understand that executive functioning is important, but I’m not worried about their organization or study skills—so why are we talking about this?"

That's understandable. When people think about executive functioning, they often think of higher-order skills—planning, prioritizing, time management, and decision-making.

But executive functioning is the cognitive system responsible for directing thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve a goal. And it influences much more than organization—including learning, socializing, and self-direction.

The better we understand it, the better equipped we'll be to give children, teens, and young adults the tools they need to succeed.

Executive function's role in learning

Kids learn from the world around them, constantly processing information from their environment, teachers, and peers to develop 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 and writing fluency

• Recalling and retaining information from class

• Following directions and staying focused during tasks

• Generating and organizing ideas

Executive functioning and social skills

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, and 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—like completing homework and managing other responsibilities at school, home, and work—a child, teen, or young adult may appear:

• Forgetful (requiring constant reminders)

• Distracted or constantly off-task

• Careless (not checking their work)

• Disorganized

• Lazy

• Overwhelmed

They may struggle with:

• Being ready and 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's 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.

Why this matters for your child

Whether you're just beginning to support your child's needs or have been navigating this path for some time, understanding the role of executive functioning in their development—and considering it as part of the bigger picture—could lead to meaningful change.

When we recognize that challenges with attention, organization, and self-direction aren't character flaws but developmental differences, we can advocate for the right kind of support. Support that works with your child's developing brain, not against it.

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If this resonates with you, you might find value in my newsletter. I share research-backed insights and practical guidance for parents supporting children with learning differences and performance challenges.

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