Executive Functioning Disorder: Practical Tips For Parents To Help Your Child

Clarence M. Clark
Aug 9, 2017 · 3 min read

The responsibilities of a parent are endless. It is a tiresome job, but it comes with a lot of rewards and perks. It is all the more challenging for a parent to care for a child who is diagnosed with Executive Functioning Disorder or EFD. The diagnosis can be overwhelming and daunting, but this type of disorder is manageable with the right executive functioning treatment and proper parental support.

If you find yourself struggling with the diagnosis, don’t fret, you are not alone. Many parents have difficulty grasping the disorder, especially since it is a new medical term. Take a deep breath and use these tips to help you cope and care for your child with EFD:

1. Do Your Research

From the moment you hear the term Executive Functioning Disorder, your brain will buzz with questions. This is normal and encouraged. As a parent, doing your own research about the disorder and how it affects your child is a priority. There are different ways EFD can affect your child and knowing how his or her executive functioning skills are affected and which of her abilities are limited due to the disorder will help you find different treatments and exercises that are best suited for them.

2. Search For Treatment And Therapy Options

Your child’s doctor will give you a list of executive function treatment options to look into. These may include therapy to help you and your child understand the challenges that lie ahead. Other treatment options include coaching as an encouragement tool to help your child cope with the diagnosis. Some treatments will also include exercises that you can do at home to enhance their memory and organizational skills.

3. Teach Your Child About EFD

Speak to your child about their diagnosis and be open about discussing EFD with them. This will teach them to be more vocal about their needs, especially when they are not at home. Doing this also helps your child to recognize their strengths and weakness to allow them to hone their skills and take on challenges to improve themselves mentally.

4. Find A Support Group

You are not alone. That is an important statement to keep in mind. There are other parents who are struggling with the same or similar issues as you are. Finding a group that can support you is a great way to learn more from other people’s experiences with EDF. A support group will also understand what you are going through and provide with the resources you need to take better care of your child.

5. Speak To The School Administrator

Keeping the lines of communication open between both sides makes it possible to create a healthy and helpful learning environment at school and at home. Doing this also helps you determine whether the staff is capable of accommodating your child’s needs. If not, you can always find a school that can.

Encourage your child with EFD to learn and grow. The disorder does not have to stop them from living a full and fun childhood. Seek help and information about executive functioning treatment options and start building a brighter future for your child today.

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