Executive Function Disorder Therapy in Hingham, Pembroke, and Norwood, MA

Executive Function Disorder Treatment for Children

Executive Function Disorder Therapy in Hingham, MA

Conditions such as asthma, ADHD, and anxiety are all common in children. When children are diagnosed with one of these conditions, parents typically notice the signs and know who to talk to. But what about lesser-known disorders? Executive function disorder is a condition that affects numerous children but can be hard to detect if you don't know what to look for. At South Shore Therapies, we're committed to educating parents on the condition and providing proven treatments to make life easier for the child. Our executive function disorder therapies are based on best practices and tailored to each client's unique needs. If you suspect an executive function disorder in your child, reach out to our Hingham, MA center.

What Is Executive Function Disorder?

To best describe executive function, let's picture it as the CEO of the brain. As such, executive function is responsible for planning, executing, and completing all of a person's daily responsibilities. Memory, critical thinking, and planning and executing tasks are all jobs attributed to executive function. When executive function is impaired, it's incredibly difficult to go about daily life. This lack of function, or executive function disorder, makes problem-solving and other everyday cognitive tasks extra challenging. 

Symptoms of Executive Function Disorder

It's crucial to understand the signs and symptoms of executive function disorder (EFD). EFD manifests differently from child to child—some with more or fewer symptoms of varying severity. If you notice any of the following changes to your child's behavior, get in touch with a behavioral specialist:

  • Difficulty controlling emotions
  • Low impulse control
  • Inability to pay attention
  • Problems with processing new information
  • Poor short-term memory
  • Difficulty multitasking or starting new projects
  • Planning and executing the most routine tasks

 

What Causes Executive Function Problems?

A slew of conditions can trigger EFD. Some of these causes are short-term, and symptoms might subside over time. If your child is experiencing intense exhaustion, pain, stress, or boredom, EFD might be the result. Drug use, alcohol, and distracting environments can also exacerbate the condition. Yet other children develop EFD as the result of another condition, including the following:

  • ADHD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • OCD
  • Autism
  • Tourette's
  • Brain Injuries

 

 

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Treatment?

Your child may need executive function disorder treatment if they're experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms or have any major risk factors. Many times, the symptoms of EFD manifest clearly into daily life. For example, a child who is having a hard time concentrating may begin to struggle at school. When EFD becomes a hindrance to your child's growth, please reach out to South Shore Therapies. Other reasons to get in touch with a professional include:

  • Difficulty making friends
  • Unexplained mood swings
  • Low motivation
  • Avoidance of certain tasks (e.g. homework, chores, etc.)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Executive Function Disorder Treatment for Kids

Therapy for executive function disorder can be very effective. The team at South Shore Therapies recommends seeking treatment as soon as you notice a problem. When you visit one of our locations in the Hingham area, we'll conduct a variety of assessments. These evaluations are designed to determine the specific areas where your child has difficulty functioning. Once we've pinpointed the problem, we'll use an array of proven strategies and resources to address these skills. We'll also discuss ways to implement these strategies at home and at school. Our team might introduce your child to methods such as using checklists, visual approaches, planners, rewards, and routines to lessen the impacts of EFD. No child is exactly like another, and we're dedicated to individualized treatment for each case.

 

Get in Touch to Begin an Evaluation

EFD can be detrimental to a child socially, emotionally, and academically. If you've noticed odd behavior in line with the symptoms of this disorder, contact South Shore Therapies right away. We'll set you up with a free consultation where you can let us know your concerns. From there, we'll create a customized treatment plan to minimize the impact of executive function disorder. Whether you live in Hingham or the surrounding communities of Norwood or Pembroke, we aim to be part of your support system.