WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is executive function disorder (EFD)? Executive function refers to your child's ability to plan goals and complete tasks on time. EFD is often thought to be attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but EFD is a separate disorder. The attention problems that are part of EFD involve processing and working memory disorders. Processing is the ability to understand and use information. Working memory is the ability to remember information long enough to work with it. For example, your child needs working memory to remember 2 numbers he has to add together. What are the signs and symptoms of EFD? - Trouble knowing how much time a task will take to complete, or forgetting the steps of a task
- Trouble imagining himself finishing a task, starting on his own, or changing steps once he starts
- Not wanting to keep working on a task, or becoming bored or cranky during a task
- Misplacing homework, or forgetting to turn in homework or to bring books home that he needs for homework
- Being late for the start of school or other events despite reminders
- Losing permission slips, or losing track of his jacket or other clothing
- Lashing out when he is angry or frustrated, or trouble controlling his emotions
- Trouble sitting still, or constantly fidgeting
How is EFD diagnosed? Your child may be given tests to check his memory, control, and ability to complete tasks. For example, he may be shown a card with the word green printed in red ink. He will be asked to name the color instead of reading the word. This will show his ability to ignore an impulse to say the word instead of the color. He may also be asked to complete a long series of steps. This will test his ability to stay interested long enough to finish and control his emotions if he becomes frustrated. He may be asked to repeat a series of numbers or words to test his working memory. How is EFD managed? - Experts may work with your child. Learning experts can teach him how to plan tasks. They may teach him how to make a list of steps to complete, and then to mark each as complete. They can also help him learn to figure out how much time a task will take. This will help him plan enough time to finish the task. The experts can also teach him ways to stay organized and to remember to bring items to or from school. Other experts can help him learn to control his emotions when he is frustrated.
- An individualized education program (IEP) may be used through high school graduation. The IEP identifies your child's learning needs and helps his teachers understand how to help him learn. The IEP may help your child build skills he will need after high school. He may be able to use other accommodations in college to help him continue to succeed. For example, he may be able to take tests without being timed, or in a room with no distractions. This may help him focus on completing the test.
What can I do to help support my child? - Always encourage your child. Your child may need to be reminded several times to do something you want him to do. He may need to be reminded to start his homework and to put the completed work in his school bag. He may also need help figuring out how much time a task is going to take to complete. Be patient and repeat information as needed. Do not expect your child to remember what you told him. He may have trouble remembering all the steps if he has working memory problems.
- Help your child reduce distractions. Create a quiet area for your child to work on homework or read. The area should not have a TV, radio, or electronic game device. If your child needs to use a computer for his homework, help him stay focused on his work. Do not allow him to use the Internet unless it is part of an assignment or he needs information to complete the work.
- Enroll your child in martial arts or a similar exercise program. Martial arts, such as karate, teach ways to strengthen focus and stay in control. Exercise can also help your child use extra energy that may be distracting him during a task.
- Do not focus on grades. Praise improvement, such as a task your child finished. Focus on an assignment your child finished and turned in instead of the grade he received. It is okay to praise a good grade on a test or homework assignment, but do not make good grades the focus.
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