Executive Function Weakness: What Parents Need to Know About Executive Functioning With Speech-Language Pathologist Mindy Hudon Parenting Kids

Would your child forget her head if it wasn’t attached? Is she disorganized? Unmotivated? Easily distracted? If yes, your child may have an executive functioning weakness. Mindy Hudon, 30Seconds contributor and speech-language pathologist, explains what this is and how your child may benefit from executive function coaching. Mindy is the proud mother of twins and the co-founder of Achieve, a private practice specializing in executive function development, speech, language, cognitive issues and social development. In her spare time, Mindy is the President of Building Awareness Rocks, a nonprofit corporation that is dedicated to improving the lives of children with exceptionalities. 

Q: What is executive function?

Executive function skills refer to brain functions that make it possible for you to set a goal, plan, remember what that looks like and the steps to get there, and get started, be flexible and revise when things don’t go as planned. Meanwhile, you are continuously self-monitoring and maintain a persistent awareness of the passage of time.

Q: What are some symptoms of executive function?

Executive function symptoms can be seen in a wide range of skills. It depends on what skill(s) are most challenging and impacting daily living.

• Difficulty getting started on an assignment or task and becoming easily overwhelmed. “I’ll start my homework as soon as I finish this text.”

• Has problems figuring out time management. “My term paper is due in a week. I don’t need to work on it yet.”

• Impulsive with tasks, causing them to be incomplete, messy or unorganized. “My teacher said it’s OK if I squeeze that in.”

• Is forgetful and unorganized. “I thought I put my homework in my backpack.” “Mom, where are my sneakers?”

• Needs directions repeated often and misses important details, “You never told me that!” “My teacher didn’t tell us we had a test!”

• Difficulty paying attention and is easily distracted. “I think I need to … hey, what time is it?”

• Completing multi-step tasks. “What do I need to do after I take out the trash?”

• Easily loses thought focus. “What was I going to do/say?”

• Makes simple tasks long and complicated. “I was late because I had to take the garbage out.”

Q: Who would benefit from executive function coaching?

Executive function coaching is for those who have desire and need help putting together pieces that let them function at highest potential. The purpose of executive function coaching is to allow individuals to learn strategies needed to manage or overcome barriers. We work together to identify strengths, weaknesses and generate goals accordingly. Frequency and duration of executive function coaching will be guided accordingly. Communication is a key component in determining/working toward self-selected short and long-term goals. We are focused on helping individuals to become successful in all areas of their lives.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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