Understanding Executive Functioning: How Speech-Language Pathologists Help Children Build These Essential Skills
Executive functioning skills are the mental tools children use to plan, organize, remember information, manage their emotions, and complete everyday tasks. These skills are foundational for school success, social interactions, independence, and even communication.
Many parents hear the term “executive functioning” for the first time when a teacher expresses concern, and it can feel confusing or overwhelming!
This guide explains what executive functioning is, what challenges may look like, and how speech-language pathologists help children strengthen these skills.
What Is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive processes that help children:
focus their attention
control impulses
remember instructions
plan and complete tasks
shift between activities
manage big emotions
stay organized
Think of executive functioning as the brain’s “management system.”
When these skills are weak, everyday tasks, like following directions, completing homework, or cleaning up toys, can feel extremely difficult.
Core Executive Functioning Skills Children Need
SLPs often support children with challenges in the following areas:
1. Working Memory
This is the ability to hold information in mind while using it.
Children with weak working memory may struggle to:
complete multi-step directions
retell a story
remember classroom routines
follow along during conversations
decode unfamiliar words
2. Inhibitory Control (Impulse Control)
This skill helps children think before acting.
Kids with reduced inhibitory control may:
speak out of turn
interrupt
grab items impulsively
rush through tasks
make impulsive sound or word errors
3. Cognitive Flexibility (Flexible Thinking)
This is the ability to adapt, shift, and consider new ideas.
Children may struggle to:
transition between activities
handle changes in routine
shift topics during conversation
accept alternative solutions or perspectives
4. Planning and Organization
These skills support completing tasks smoothly and independently.
Children may:
lose materials
struggle starting tasks
forget homework
have trouble writing or sequencing stories
feel overwhelmed by multi-step projects
5. Emotional Regulation
Connected closely to language and processing.
Children may:
become easily frustrated
shut down with challenging tasks
have difficulty expressing feelings verbally
escalate when a plan doesn’t go as expected
How Executive Functioning Challenges Affect Speech & Learning
Executive functioning impacts:
Following directions
Producing sounds consistently
Storytelling & writing
Reading comprehension
Phonological awareness
Social communication
Attention during therapy
Children with ADHD or language disorders often have overlapping executive functioning needs. This is extremely common and highly responsive to therapy.
How Speech-Language Pathologists Help Build Executive Functioning Skills
SLPs embed executive functioning work into communication tasks so skills improve in real, functional ways that carry over into home and school.
Here’s how:
1. Teaching Kids How to Follow Directions Step-by-Step
SLPs break down directions and build skills like:
sequencing
working memory
auditory comprehension
task initiation
Strategies include visual cues, gestures, simplified wording, and gradually increasing complexity.
2. Strengthening Working Memory Through Language Tasks
Activities may include:
recalling story details
repeating sentence structures
sequencing events
memory-based games
phonological awareness tasks
These directly support reading and classroom learning.
3. Building Planning and Organization for Communication
SLPs help children:
plan what they want to say
organize stories with a beginning, middle, and end
structure sentences
manage “first → next → then” tasks
These skills are essential for writing, conversation, and schoolwork.
4. Supporting Emotional Regulation Through Predictable Routines
Predictable structure decreases stress and improves performance.
SLPs use:
visual schedules
timers
movement breaks
co-regulation strategies
positive reinforcement
When children feel regulated, they communicate more effectively.
5. Helping Children Shift Tasks and Handle Transitions
SLPs practice flexible thinking through:
games with rule changes
switching tasks
problem-solving scenarios
conversational turn-taking
perspective-taking tasks
This builds resilience and flexibility at home and school.
6. Teaching Self-Monitoring Skills
Children learn to:
check their work
listen for correct sounds
notice errors
revise sentences
reflect on behavior choices
This is critical for independence.
Signs Your Child May Need Support With Executive Functioning
Parents often notice:
Trouble following simple or multi-step directions
Difficulty staying on task
Easily losing materials or forgetting routines
Emotional outbursts during challenging tasks
Trouble retelling stories or expressing ideas clearly
Impulsivity in conversation
Rushing through work without accuracy
Struggling with transitions or changes
Early support can drastically improve both communication and school performance.
Executive Functioning Support at Long Island Speech and Play
At Long Island Speech and Play, I specialize in integrating executive functioning strategies into therapy for children who need support with:
ADHD
Language disorders
Phonological awareness
Articulation
Reading comprehension & writing mechanics
Emotional regulation
Sessions are engaging, movement-based, and highly structured, which is ideal for children who benefit from predictable routines paired with play-based learning in their natural environment.
Services available in:
Plainview, Syosset, Woodbury, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Melville, Hicksville, and nearby areas.
If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from support with executive functioning, I’d be happy to help guide you.
📞 (516) 732-5252
🌐 www.longislandspeechandplay.com
