What are executive functions? What impact does the strength of executive function have on children?

Executive function refers to the high-level cognitive skills that the brain needs to use when dealing with daily tasks. "Harvard University compares it to the air traffic control system at the airport. Only with a good system can different aircraft be in order." The earth will rise and fall, otherwise it will cause great chaos." We often hear parents say: "My child is very smart, but why is he so undisciplined?" "My child obviously reacts very quickly, but always lags behind others in doing things. What is the problem?" Many children with good qualifications, but because of Lack of executive functions and always performing less than expected. The level of executive function is not only affected by congenital conditions. For example, some children with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will have relatively low executive function and are also affected by The influence of acquired environmental factors includes whether parents can lead by example and provide sufficient guidance and assistance.

Children with weak executive functions often encounter varying degrees of difficulties in classroom learning.

For example:

(1) Classroom behavior

• Often unable to sit still and walking around in class

• Talkative, harassing others or interrupting others' conversations

• Difficulty following classroom/school rules, game/activity rules

• Blunt words in class and fail to raise hands before answering questions

(2) Classroom learning

• Forget teacher's instructions more often

• Often make careless mistakes when doing homework, silent reading, tests, and exams

• When reading and comprehending, it is difficult to organize the information in the article and answer questions simultaneously and in an organized manner.

• When writing, it is difficult to organize one's ideas and express answers in words in a clear context.

• When carrying out work that requires a long period of time, such as project study, it is often impossible to arrange working hours and plan the work in advance

• When preparing for tests and exams, it is difficult to allocate enough time for revision. Failure to submit assignments on time.

(3) Self-management aspects

• Loses temper easily and is not good at asking for help or trying different methods to solve problems

• Often lost items

• Easy to forget to take textbooks and reply slips home or bring them to school from home

Fortunately, executive function is different from IQ, and executive function can be improved through acquired training. Through games and prompting strategies, children’s executive functions can be trained, including working memory, response inhibition and flexibility. Contact our therapists immediately to arrange a 15-minute free consultation to help children achieve better results in learning and life. Performance! Here's how to help you manage your child's executive function problems: One element of managing your child's executive function problems is understanding what the problem is and what causes it. Unfortunately, scientists are currently unable to fully understand why some children develop these problems and others do not. But there appears to be a genetic component, especially if your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. The risk of developing executive function problems is higher. If your child has executive function problems, you can train him more in situations outside of school to ensure that he can perform well in school as well. The more you train at home, the better you will understand his problems and help you communicate with the teacher about your child's problems. You can help your child by:

1. Break the task down into a list of steps

Kids with executive functioning problems often have trouble starting new tasks, so breaking it down into a series of steps can make things more manageable. And kids can be easily distracted, so having a checklist will make it easier for your child to get back on track as quickly as possible after a distraction.

2. Set time limits for activities

If your child has difficulty completing tasks on time in time-limited activities, you can train your child by setting time limits for specific activities at home, and use the time limits to match the list mentioned earlier.

3. Use a planner to record things

For younger children, a large written planner can better organize things; for older children, using software on smartphones or time management programs on computers will help. better.

4. Explain the context of things clearly

If your child has difficulty accepting criticism or understanding the purpose or benefits of handling things in certain ways, you will need to explain the rationale behind them more clearly. Explain to your child why this event is important and the long-term benefits he or she will gain. When your child understands the reason behind doing something, it will increase his motivation to perform it.

5. Ask your child to explain his or her behavior

When your child has executive function problems, he may behave in unusual ways that leave you confused. But rather than unilaterally telling your child what to do, give him a moment to explain why he did what he did. You might be surprised to learn that maybe his way of handling it is the best.

If your child has a learning disability, it is best for you to learn more about his situation and the problems he encounters, and then take different measures to help him and let his teacher be familiar with his situation so that he can better assist him. Please be patient as your child learns and grows - you may encounter frustrating moments at times, but with perseverance you can make changes!