Executive functioning describes the set of mental skills that help children manage daily life. These skills allow them to plan, stay organized, follow directions, regulate emotions, start tasks, and shift between activities. When these skills aren’t developing as we expect, children may appear inattentive, forgetful, impulsive, or overwhelmed by routines that seem simple to others.
Our team offers formal diagnostic testing in all areas of executive functioning, followed by EF workshops tailored to support each child's unique needs. Below are common questions families ask when getting started.
Executive functioning skills are the brain’s self-management system. These include planning, organizing, remembering information, starting tasks, staying focused, problem-solving, controlling impulses, and managing emotions. These skills help children succeed at home, in school, and in their relationships.
Executive functions are primarily found in the prefrontal cortex. Many people don't realize that the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until our mid- to late 20s. When there are struggles, more often than not, youth and teens are being asked to perform tasks that are beyond their developmental capabilities without having the tools to help them be successful. This is one reason for difficulty with executive functions.
Some children have uneven development in these skills. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including neurodevelopmental differences, emotional stress, attention challenges, or difficulties with working memory or organization. Every child’s profile looks different, which is why formal testing is so important.
Testing identifies which parts of executive functioning are strong and which areas need support. Instead of guessing, families receive a clear map of their child’s skills across all domains. This makes the therapy plan more accurate, targeted, and effective.
During the evaluation, our specialist uses standardized tools, observations, and questionnaires to assess all areas of executive functioning. We look at working memory, flexible thinking, emotional control, planning, organization, task initiation, and more. After testing, we meet with families to explain results, answer questions, and outline a clear plan for therapy.
No. Children do not need a diagnosis before receiving an evaluation. Families come to us with and without labels such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learning differences. What matters most is whether executive functioning challenges are affecting daily life.
Parents often notice things like difficulty staying organized, trouble following directions, emotional outbursts, losing belongings, procrastination, forgetting steps, or becoming overwhelmed by transitions. Some children also have difficulty starting tasks or switching between them. Other signs can include poor grades, not turning homework in, impulsivity, confusion about expectations, or trouble keeping track of time and routines.
Testing and therapy are completed by trained specialists with experience in executive functioning assessment and intervention. We combine clinical expertise with a warm, supportive approach so children and families feel understood and guided through the process.
Therapy is individualized and built from the results of your child’s diagnostic evaluation. Sessions focus on the specific areas your child needs most, including planning, organization, time management, emotional regulation, working memory, and task initiation. Families receive simple strategies to use at home so these skills become part of daily routines.
For families looking for a structured group option, we also offer an Executive Functioning Skills Workshop. This workshop teaches core EF skills in a small-group setting, helping students learn, practice, and build confidence alongside peers.
Our Executive Functioning Skills Workshop runs for 8 to 10 weeks. Students meet once a week for a 45-minute session, either online or in person. The small-group format allows students to learn strategies, practice new skills, and build confidence in a supportive setting. The workshop includes a home connection component, so families know how to reinforce the strategies that students are learning in the workshop. This is essential for follow-through and application of strategies. Weekly additional learning is also provided to our families through video tutorials and helpful resources.
Yes. Many children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other developmental needs show differences in executive functioning. Testing helps separate what is related to attention, emotional regulation, or working memory, so the goals can be tailored to exactly what each child needs.
Family involvement is essential. We provide home strategies, checklists, visuals, and routines to reinforce skills between sessions. Parents receive ongoing guidance on how to support their child at home without creating pressure or conflict.
Families begin by getting in touch with our team. From there, we can determine what the best steps would be to support your child’s specific needs and goals.
When children strengthen their executive functioning skills, daily life becomes more manageable. They will have strategies to better plan their time, manage emotions, work through challenges, and feel more in control of their routines. This relieves stress in the home and amongst family members, setting children up for success.
If you feel your child may benefit from testing or support, we invite you to reach out today. Our team will work with you and help you take the next step toward clarity, support, and confidence.