Executive Function DYSFUNCTION: Signs and Symptoms at School {part two of three}

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Are you a teacher? Do you struggle with knowing when a student just needs to mature or if it could be something "more?" If you do, you're not alone. There are many conflicting reports on this topic as well as the ever increasing feeling that "everyone has ADD/ADHD. He's just a boy and needs time to mature. She would just rather socialize." Sometimes, that might indeed be true, but many times there are multiple areas that are lacking and this can be consistent with Executive Function Dysfunction. 

You may see the following, most commonly reported, signs of Executive Function DYSFUNCTION in students {classroom}:

• Chronically messy desk
• Chronically messy "space" 
• Chronically messy backpack
• Chronically redirecting their attention
• Chronically repeating directions
• Chronically unprepared for class {doesn't have materials-left at home, loses supplies etc..}
• Chronically misplaces papers and homework
• Homework incomplete
• Rushes through work or rarely completes work within allotted time frame
• Multiple simple errors on work {does not check their work}
• Trouble using or neglecting to use planner or other "organizational" tools
• Difficulty with long term projects
• Difficulty forming and keeping friendships
• Difficulty following the classroom routine {even after several months of school}
• Frequent outbursts
• Doesn't learn from past mistakes
• Easily frustrated
• Not motivated by reaching goals-seems to lack motivation
• Often a mismatch between intelligence and performance
• Trouble communicating in a logical, sequential manner
• Memory issues

If you see several of these symptoms in a particular student, they are very likely to have Executive Function DYSFUNCTION and steps should be taken for the proper assessments to be completed either through the school or by a private clinician.  Without the proper interventions and support, these skills will not improve and are likely to be lifelong struggles. Being successful with the skills needed to perform well in school have a direct correlation to success in life. 

If you suspect that a student has Executive Function Dysfunction based upon signs/symptoms in the classroom, please check in with parents about what they see at home. My first post in this series, or BlogTalkRadio show would be a wonderful resource with which they can start. 

For even more information on what to look for in the classroom with regard to Executive Function Dysfunction, tune in to this week's BlogTalkRadio Show when I'll be discussing this subject in more depth. 

Until next time...keep growing and blooming.

Jen