How many times have you heard other parents say their children are “just being lazy” or complain that they are “so disorganized?” You may have even felt those exact same feelings regarding your own child.
In fact, children who exhibit these types of behaviors may not be lazy at all. They may, in fact, be struggling with challenges in Executive Function (EF), a little-talked about but very important set of neurological skills that enable us to be successful in our lives. EF are the mental processes that develop throughout childhood and adolescence and are needed to help us organize our world. EF deficits severely limit children’s ability to perform tasks that require planning, remembering instructions, prioritizing and organizing tasks, managing time and regulating emotions.
On a regular basis, many bright children struggle with EF deficit that adversely affects their home and school life and, if left untreated, can undermine career success as well. Often children who have been diagnosed with ADD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism spectrum disorders, suffer from underlying Executive Functioning deficits that do not get addressed.
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How can parents determine if their child has EF deficit?
Dr. Tamar Z. Kahane, a prominent child psychologist in private practice in New York and New Jersey and an expert in social cognition, has the following tips for parents on what to look for:
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1. Organization Issues: Has trouble organizing tasks and materials; Forgets homework assignments at home or in school; messy workspace, book bag, etc.
2. Time Management Issues: Has difficulty getting started on a task and estimating how much time is needed.
3. Prioritization Issues: Has trouble planning and executing tasks in order of importance.
4. Writing Skills: Has difficulty organizing thoughts on paper.
5. Regulating Emotions: Has a low stress tolerance, difficulty managing frustration and emotions effectively.
If you think your child may be suffering from EF deficit, Dr. Kahane recommends talking with your child’s pediatrician. He or she will be able to recommend a psychologist or mental health professional who is specially trained to diagnose EF deficit and help develop an appropriate treatment plan for you and your child.
Effective treatment for EF deficit can empower children to become the CEO of their own minds and bodies.
About Tamar Z. Kahane, Psy.D
Dr. Tamar Z. Kahane is the founder and director of The Kahane Center, an integrated mental health institute. She is the creator of the innovative POWER (Prioritize. Organize. Work. Exercise. Regulate) Program for children and teens to address EF issues and help them develop the critical, life-long tools that are crucial to success in school, at home and in life. It is one of the only programs of its kind devoted to EF deficit in the NY-metro area.