Fuctional Skills

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Some Possible Warning Signs of an Executive Function Issue

Struggles with time management
Difficulty starting tasks on their own
Disorganized
Difficulty using and applying information from memory
Forgets rules easily
Difficulty planning and completing projects
Needs to follow rigid routines
Dislikes change
Appears impulsive
Poor emotional control
Struggles with open ended tasks
Struggles with time management

Executive Function skills are learned skills.

With practice and a little help, all children can improve their executive functions. Practice makes better!

What are Executive Fuctional Skills

Executive Function skills help us organize information, manage time, act appropriately, and complete steps to reach a goal.

What are Executive Fuctional Skills

Working Memory-Takes in new information and uses it to complete a task e.g. follows simple instructions from adults

without reminders

Remembers and organizes key pieces of information for activities e.g. plays a board game using the rules

Self-control-Thinks before acting and keeps feelings in check e.g. raises hand in class instead of yelling

Manages time by starting and completing activities when needed e.g. begins a morning routine like getting dressed without getting distracted

Mental Flexibility-Adjusts to changing situations especially when

things don't go as planned e.g. easily switches from play time to dinner time

Considers different points of view

e.g. uses problem solving to fix a homework mistake

Activities to Develop Executive Functional Skills

Your child develops executive function skills through social interactions, play time, and everyday activities. Here are some tips and activities you can do to help your child learn and improve upon their executive function skills.

6-12 Months

Play Peek-A-Boo to practice remembering where an object is, even if it can't be seen
Talk to baby often to help build attention and focusing skills
Provide age appropriate toys and household objects,like spoons or pots, for baby to explore
Use imitation games, e.g. clapping hands, to build memory skills and teach baby how to copy you

13-24 Months

Play pointing games, e.g. point and say the name of objects, to practice paying attention and learning how words and objects relate
Provide simple directions to improve listening skills, remembering instructions, and starting new tasks
Try finger painting with different colors to encourage creative thinking.
Scoop and pour beans from one bucket to another
Using a plastic cup, which can help kids learn to concentrate on a specific task

2-3 Years

Sing songs and play games that include instructions,e.g. Mother May I?, to practice taking turns and remembering words to complete an action
Play in different environments to practice adjusting to new experiences
Put away toys and games after play to help build organizational skills
Play Follow the Leader to develop listening skills,the ability to follow directions, and learning how to wait for a turn

4-5 Years

Encourage imaginary play to practice decision making O Have craft time to build creative thinking skills
Use storytelling to reflect on the order and details of events
Ask questions while completing puzzles or games to help with ability to think through steps
Build shapes or figures together with building blocks or clay to develop planning skills and complete tasks with multiple steps

5+ Years

Play games that use matching, sorting and memory skills, e.g. Go Fish
Engage in activities that require following instructions, e.g. board games
Play games like Simon Says to practice remembering rules and thinking flexibly to adjust to different scenarios
Use structured physical activities, like group soccer, to build focused attention skills
Provide opportunities to practice decision making,e.g. deciding on an activity to do and figuring out how to complete it
Play guessing games like I Spy to practice remembering previous guesses and understanding the end goal of the game

When to Consult Pediatrician (Red Flag) ?

Doesn’t try to get things that are in reach
Shows no affection for caregivers
Doesn’t respond to sound around him
Has difficulty getting things to mouth
Doesn’t make vowel sound (“ah”, “eh”, “oh”)
Doesn’t roll over in either direction
Doesn’t laugh or make squealing sounds
Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
Seems very floppy, like a rag doll

Can’t jump in place
Has trouble scribbling
Show no interest in interactive games or make-believe
Ignores other children or doesn’t respond to people outside the family
Resists dressing, sleeping, and using the toilet
Can’t retell a favourite story
Doesn’t follow 3-part commands
Doesn’t understand “same” and “different”
Doesn’t use “me” and “you” correctly
Speaks unclearly
Loses skills he once had

Doesn’t show a wide range of emotions
Shows extreme behavior (unusually fearful, aggressive, shy or sad)
Unusually withdraw and not active
is easily distracted, has trouble focusing on one activity for more than 5 minutes
Doesn’t respond to people, or responds only superficially
Can’t tell what’s real and what’s make-believe
Doesn’t play a variety of games and activities
Can’t Give first and last name
Doesn’t use plurals or past tense properly
Doesn’t talk about daily activities or experiences
Doesn’t draw pictures
Can’t brush teeth, wash and dry hands, or get undressed with - out help
Loses skills he one had

Fuctional Skills

Some Possible Warning Signs of an Executive Function Issue

What are Executive Fuctional Skills

What are Executive Fuctional Skills

Activities to Develop Executive Functional Skills

6-12 Months

13-24 Months

2-3 Years

4-5 Years

5+ Years

When to Consult Pediatrician (Red Flag) ?

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