How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids and Teens Build Executive Functioning Skills
Have you ever noticed a child or teen struggling to stay organized, start their homework, or manage their time effectively? These challenges often stem from executive functioning difficulties. Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s “management system”—they help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. When these skills don’t develop as expected, everyday tasks like completing homework, keeping track of belongings, or following directions can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Occupational therapy (OT) can help! OT provides practical strategies to support children, middle and high schoolers, and even college students in strengthening their executive functioning skills.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills? Think of executive functioning skills as the tools we use to:
✅ Stay organized (keeping track of school supplies, assignments, and schedules)
✅ Plan ahead (breaking down big projects into smaller steps)
✅ Manage time (getting to class on time, finishing work before deadlines)
✅ Start and finish tasks (getting past procrastination and seeing things through)
✅ Control emotions and impulses (handling frustration without giving up)
When kids struggle with executive functioning, they might frequently lose things, forget to turn in assignments, have trouble following multi-step directions, or get easily overwhelmed by big tasks.
How OT Helps Build Executive Functioning Skills
Occupational therapists use hands-on strategies to help kids and teens strengthen their ability to plan, stay organized, and work independently. Some key OT techniques include:
🧩 Making Tasks More Manageable: Big projects or assignments can feel overwhelming. OTs teach kids how to break tasks into smaller steps, making them easier to tackle.
🏃 Building Planning & Problem-Solving Skills: Through activities like obstacle courses or creative projects, OTs help kids practice thinking ahead, adjusting plans, and solving problems on the spot.
⏳ Improving Time Management: Using visual timers, planners, and scheduling tools, OTs help kids learn to manage their time and stay on track with assignments.
🏡 Creating an Organized Environment: OTs work with kids to set up organized workspaces, checklists, and routines that make it easier to find materials and remember assignments.
📖 Developing Study & Note-Taking Strategies: For older students, OTs teach study strategies, note-taking techniques, and test-prep methods that improve focus and memory.
OT Support for Middle School, High School & College Students
As kids grow, their schoolwork and responsibilities become more complex. OT can support middle school, high school, and even college students by helping them:
🎯 Use planners, apps, and digital tools to keep track of assignments and deadlines
📝 Develop note-taking and test-prep strategies to retain information more effectively
⏳ Manage their time by creating study schedules and avoiding procrastination
🗣 Advocate for themselves by asking for support or accommodations when needed
😌 Handle stress and academic pressure with coping strategies like mindfulness and exercise
With the right strategies in place, students can become more independent, confident, and successful in their daily lives.
Final Thoughts
Executive functioning skills play a huge role in a child’s academic success and daily life. When kids struggle in this area, occupational therapy can provide the tools and support they need to thrive. From organizing backpacks to managing deadlines, OT helps children, teens, and college students develop the skills they need to feel more in control of their learning and routines.
To learn more about how occupational therapy can help your family, schedule a call with us!
