Executive Functioning Disorder
What exactly is executive functioning disorder, and how can pediatric therapy help?
Executive functions are mental skills that each of us uses every day. However, some children struggle to execute executive functions properly, which means that they may have a condition known as executive functioning disorder.
Executive functioning disorder can affect a child’s confidence, communication, and ability to build and maintain social connections. While this condition can be confusing and frustrating for children and their families, our licensed pediatric specialists at Skills on the Hill are here to help youthful patients succeed in treatment and support families along the way.
If your child’s symptoms are beginning to interfere with their life, it may be time to seek treatment from a licensed specialist. The good news is that pediatric therapists can help patients overcome their challenges and lead them into a more stable and healthy lifestyle.
Call our team at Skills on the Hill today to make your first appointment!
What Is Executive Functioning Disorder?
Executive functioning describes a range of cognitive skills including working memory, attention, planning, organization, and impulse control. Both children and adults use executive functioning in their daily lives when engaging in activities such as learning, socializing, making decisions, and completing tasks. A child with executive functioning disorder struggles with concentrating, managing impulses, or setting and achieving simple goals. This disorder can influence the child’s success in school, social situations, and other common settings.
How Does Executive Functioning Disorder Develop?
There are several reasons why a child might be diagnosed with executive functioning disorder. Chronic stress and anxiety are two factors that can trigger or initiate the condition, often due to family, school, or health issues. A child may also have executive functioning disorder due to an underlying condition such as epilepsy, ADHD, and fetal alcohol syndrome. If your child is diagnosed with one of these disorders or demonstrates characteristics of executive functioning disorder, give Skills on the Hill a call today!
Symptoms of Executive Functioning Disorder
There are a few common symptoms to look out for in executive functioning disorder. If your child has executive functioning disorder, they may display these behaviors:
- Forgetting tasks and homework
- Trouble starting and completing responsibilities
- Difficulty estimating time
- Being easily distracted
- Inability to remember names and other key details
- Trouble listening and following instructions
- Memory issues
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- Problems understanding roles in multi-part organizations, like sports teams
- Trouble transitioning between tasks
If you recognize the behaviors listed above, your child may benefit from our evidence-based treatment methods at home and in school. Call us at Skills on the Hill today to schedule your first appointment.
What to Expect From Therapy
Depending on your child’s condition and symptoms, your child’s comprehensive assessment may be performed by either a speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist. During this initial appointment, your specialist will collect details about your child’s symptoms, general health factors, and medical history to determine the right treatment plan. Standardized testing may also be included to determine the performance level where your child might be functioning. It’s important that your therapist understands any restrictions or limitations that your child has in daily settings such as school and recreational activities.
If your pediatric therapist recommends treatment for executive functioning disorder, they may integrate training and practicing techniques that help combat challenges. You may also be provided with a home program to help accelerate treatment and strengthen your child’s skills in between sessions. It’s also advised that you share certain techniques with your child’s teachers at school.
Our therapists also offer special training programs such as The Zones of Regulation, which works to improve a child’s self-regulation and emotional issues. Treatment at Skills on the Hill is intended to teach and challenge your child in an entertaining, supportive, and comfortable environment.
Visit Us Today to Get Started!
Our specialists at Skills on the Hill in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA understand the challenges of executive functioning disorder and are eager to help our young patients succeed in treatment. Our goal is to build confidence and independence as well as relieve any accompanying symptoms. No matter the severity of your child’s condition, our team is here to provide them with optimal treatment.
Wondering if therapy is right for your child? Call us today to book an initial consultation!