Not every child who struggles with focus or organization has ADHD—but they might be struggling with executive function. These challenges can look different in every child, but here are five red flags parents and teachers should know.
1. They’re Always Forgetting Something
Lunch box? Homework? Jacket? Again?! If your child seems to leave a trail of forgotten items everywhere they go, they may have weak working memory or poor organizational strategies.
2. They Struggle to Start (or Finish) Tasks
You tell them to clean their room or start an essay, and they just… freeze. Executive dysfunction often looks like procrastination or laziness, but it’s actually a problem with initiation—the ability to start a task—and task persistence, or seeing it through.
3. Emotions Take Over
Big feelings over small things? Tantrums after simple corrections? Kids with EF struggles often have difficulty regulating emotions. They may react impulsively, have trouble calming down, or feel overwhelmed easily.
4. Time Management is a Nightmare
These kids often underestimate how long things take or panic at deadlines. You’ll hear things like “This will only take five minutes” (when it takes 45) or “I have plenty of time” (when they really don’t).
5. They Can’t Seem to Shift Gears
Transitions are tough. Whether it’s moving from recess to math, or stopping a video game to get ready for bed, children with poor cognitive flexibility can become stuck or resistant to change.
What to Do Next
- Don’t jump straight to punishment—these are skills deficits, not character flaws.
- Track patterns and bring them up with your child’s teacher or a specialist.
- Consider an evaluation if the problems are severe and consistent.
When kids struggle with executive function, they’re not being “bad”—they’re missing tools. Once you identify the struggle, you can start teaching the skill.
