How Early Executive Function Issues Can Be Noticed

I was quite surprised, when doing research, at what a young age it can be detected that a child has difficulties with Executive Function Skills (EFS)!

I’ve known for more than a decade that evidence of these difficulties is there

in Kindergarten, as well as that not only children with ADD or ADHD have these issues but has recently been found that any child can struggle with EFS issues. 

 Generally speaking the ability to organize, manage time, initiate tasks, maintain self-control and complete tasks are at the root of EFS.  There are many components to these more generally referred to abilities that together make up Executive Functions.  The development of the smaller steps involved are what can be detected in children less than a year old.  It’s often thought that one just grows into these abilities however that isn’t correct.  However one can absolutely learn how to get better at these life skills often with the help of educators and an academic coach, as early as Kindergarten.