Understanding Executive Functioning Challenges in School and How to Advocate for Your Child

Executive functioning skills shape how children manage tasks, control impulses, and organize their day. When these skills are weak, it affects more than just homework at home — it impacts every part of a child’s school experience. From forgetting assignments to struggling with multi-step instructions, executive functioning difficulties create real barriers in the classroom. This post explains how these challenges show up at school and offers practical advice on what parents can ask for when working with teachers, IEP teams, and school support staff.

How Executive Functioning Challenges Appear in the Classroom

Children with executive functioning difficulties often face problems that teachers and parents might notice but not fully understand. These challenges can include:

• Trouble starting or completing assignments

A child may stare at a blank page, unsure how to begin, or leave work unfinished because they lose track of time or get distracted.

• Difficulty following multi-step directions

Instructions like “Read pages 10 to 15, answer questions 1 to 5, and then summarize the chapter” can overwhelm a child who struggles to hold all steps in mind.

• Forgetfulness and losing materials

Forgetting homework, losing pencils, or misplacing books are common signs. This isn’t laziness but a difficulty managing and organizing belongings.

• Poor time management

Children might rush through tasks or take too long, unable to estimate how much time is needed or plan their work accordingly.

• Challenges with self-control and emotional regulation

Impulsivity or frustration can lead to outbursts or withdrawal, especially when tasks feel too hard or confusing.

These behaviors affect learning and social interactions. Teachers may see a child who seems unmotivated or disruptive, but the root cause often lies in executive functioning struggles.

What Parents Can Do to Support Their Child at School

Understanding these challenges is the first step. The next is advocating for supports that help your child succeed. Here are key areas to focus on when talking with teachers or school teams:

Request Clear and Consistent Instructions

Ask teachers to break down assignments into smaller, manageable steps. Written instructions or checklists can help your child follow along without feeling overwhelmed. For example, a teacher might provide a checklist for a science project with deadlines for each part.

Ask for Organizational Supports

Schools can offer tools like:

• Assignment planners or digital apps to track homework

• Color-coded folders or binders for different subjects

• Extra time to organize materials before class starts

  
  

These supports reduce the chance of lost work and help build routines.

Advocate for Time Management Accommodations

Your child may benefit from:

• Extended time on tests and assignments

• Frequent breaks during long tasks

• Timers or reminders to help pace work

  
  

These accommodations give your child space to work at their own speed without penalty.

Support Emotional and Behavioral Needs

If your child struggles with frustration or impulse control, schools can provide:

• Access to a counselor or school psychologist

• Social skills groups or emotional regulation coaching

• Quiet spaces to regroup when overwhelmed

  
  

These supports help your child stay calm and focused.

Working with IEP Teams and School Support Staff

If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, executive functioning challenges should be part of the discussion. Here’s how to prepare:

• Document specific struggles

Keep notes on what your child finds difficult at school, including examples from teachers or homework time.

• Request assessments if needed

A formal evaluation can identify executive functioning weaknesses and guide appropriate supports.

• Be clear about goals

Work with the team to set measurable goals related to organization, time management, or task completion.

• Ask for regular progress updates

Frequent communication helps adjust supports as your child grows and changes.

Even if your child does not have an IEP, many schools offer support through resource rooms or tutoring. Don’t hesitate to ask what options are available.

Practical Tips for Parents to Reinforce Skills at Home

Supporting executive functioning at school works best when paired with consistent routines at home. Try these strategies:

• Create a dedicated homework space free from distractions

• Use visual schedules or calendars for daily tasks

• Break homework into short chunks with breaks in between

• Practice following multi-step instructions in everyday activities

• Encourage your child to use checklists for packing their backpack or getting ready in the morning

  
  

These habits build skills that transfer to the classroom.

Final Thoughts on Advocacy and Support

Executive functioning difficulties affect many parts of a child’s school day, but with the right supports, children can thrive. Understanding how these challenges show up helps parents advocate effectively for accommodations and resources. Clear communication with teachers and school teams, combined with practical strategies at home, creates a strong foundation for success.