Managing Executive Dysfunction (for parents of school-aged children with ADHD)

Executive Dysfunction is when people have difficulties with time management such as planning, paying attention, shifting from one activity to another and remembering materials or steps to getting things done. Most children diagnosed with ADHD have problems with executive dysfunction. These children need routines, strong habits, a self-reminder system and lots of support from parents and teachers to do their best. Here are some ideas to help your child with executive dysfunction:

• Help your child get organized. Help your child choose a planner and have him write down when assignments are due and tests that are coming up. Be sure to get a planner that gives enough space to write as children with ADHD often have big, sloppy handwriting. You can ask your child's teacher to check the planner each day (this can be part of a 504 plan or IEP. Get your child folders for each subject or class. Help him/her keep his backpack organized. Buy baskets to organize clothes and toys. Label each basket with words and pictures to help your child put things away.
• Use lots of visual aids. Write out your daily routine and post it where your child can see. Have clocks around the house. Write out the house rules and post in several places. Hang signs that motivate your child (for example, "remember to check your homework", or "always give your best effort!"). Get a large calendar, hang it where your child will see it and write important dates and times. Use pictures in your visual aids when possible.
• Give lots of reminders. Do not expect your child to remember what he/she needs to do on his own. Remind your child when it is time to start homework or take out the trash. If your child gets distracted from what he/she is supposed to be doing, gently remind your child about the task at hand. Remember your child is not forgetting these things on purpose, he/she really NEEDS your help.
• Get your child's attention. Before you tell your child something, really make sure you have his/her attention. Get down on his/her level, tap on his/her shoulder, and make eye contact.
• Check and recheck. Check to make sure your child has done his homework, chores and self-care (i.e. brushing teeth). You cannot expect your child to manage these things alone. Each day after school check to see what homework your child has. Check in with him/her several times during homework time. Check to make sure he has completed his homework. Check his backpack every night to make sure it is organized. Ask your child's teacher to check your child's backpack at the end of the school day to make sure he/she has the homework and books needed (this could also be part of a 504 or IEP plan). If your child is cleaning his/her room, check in several times to make sure he is still cleaning.
• Schedule time for organizing and cleaning. Have a time each week to help your child clean out his/her backpack and room. Take this time to organize everything. Restock pens, pencils and papers (children with ADHD frequently loose these things). Put this time on your calendar to make sure it happens. You can also ask your child's teacher if there can be a time each week for your child to clean out his desk and locker. Regular organizing and cleaning can prevent big problems!
• Get your child a watch with an alarm. You can program a watch to beep at certain times to help your child remember when to do things. If your child is taking medication for ADHD during the school day, you can program the watch to beep when it is time to go to the nurse for medicine. Do not spend a lot of money on the watch as it is very likely that your child will lose the first one (or few)!