“My child is so smart—but their grades are awful.” Sound familiar? Many bright, even gifted, children struggle in school due to executive function challenges. Here’s why.
Intelligence Isn’t the Whole Story
IQ tests measure reasoning, vocabulary, problem-solving, and memory. But they don’t account for the how of learning—how a student organizes their thoughts, manages their time, or stays focused on a task.
That’s where executive function comes in.
A Common Misunderstanding
When smart kids struggle with focus, deadlines, or organization, adults often assume:
- They’re not trying hard enough
- They’re lazy or unmotivated
- They’re being disrespectful or defiant
In reality, these kids want to do well. They may even overthink and put more pressure on themselves. But EF weaknesses block their ability to show what they know.
What It Looks Like
- A gifted student who can ace a test but never turns in homework
- A curious learner who can talk about a topic for hours but can’t write the paper
- A creative thinker who gets overwhelmed by structure
The Emotional Toll
Smart kids with EF struggles often:
- Feel like failures
- Develop anxiety or low self-esteem
- Get labeled as underachievers
How to Help
- Teach planning and study strategies explicitly
- Use tech tools and visual supports
- Break tasks into chunks and celebrate progress
Remember: brilliance and executive function don’t always go hand in hand. Supporting one doesn’t diminish the other—it unlocks it.
