Executive Functioning Strategies

Executive functioning is when you have problems with organizing, planning, shifting attention and multitasking. Many students with special needs have problems concerning this and need help.


Strategies to Help with Executive Functioning:

1. Consider using a larger binder to store all class work. Use dividers to keep each class separate. Sections could include: Homework, Notes, Class Work, Tests/Quizzes, Warm Ups, etc. Make sure to have a section in the binder for papers that need to go home for parents and need to be returned to school.

2. Use a daily agenda book to record assignments and when they are due.

3. Use assignment checklists to break down assignments into manageable parts and budget your time accordingly. Create a timeline for all tasks that have a due date. Make a list of each task and when it is due. When each step is completed, the student can cross it off.

4. Provide student with visual schedule. This will let a student know what they are going to do (or which class is next) and activities in advance which can provide security and keep inappropriate behavior down to a minimum. You can post these on the front of the large binder that has a clear plastic pocket to slide a paper inside.

5. Have a set of books for home use. (Student will not have to worry about which book they need to take home to complete an assignment.)

6. Place to store book(s) in classroom. (This is particularly useful during middle and high school so the student does not waste time at their locker trying to figure out which book they need for class.)

7. Use organizational strategies such as graphic organizers.

8. Multitasking is difficult for AS students and they need to complete one task before beginning another. They cannot write and listen at the same time so students may be given an outline to fill in or given a copy of any notes in class. Some ASD student’s need to be provided with written copy of any board work, overhead, or copying from books.

9. Use a multi-compartment backpack. Have a separate section for school supplies, lunch money, binder, etc. Keep extra school supplies in backpack.

10. Designate a place at home for storing the backpack.

11. Teach student how to ask for help when needed before experiencing anxiety problems.

12. Student will be able to take his book bag to all of his classes. Having all his school things in one place keeps problems down to a minimum of trying to locate them when needed.

13. Use Day Planners to write in all events of the whole day and the time. (Example: When to wake up, eat breakfast, and get to the bus stop; time for major school activities and after-school appointments; and times for dinner, homework, relaxation, and bed. The student can cross the activity off once it is completed. This provides a visual concrete cue identifying completed and upcoming events.)

14. Use “To Do” lists. They can be included in the day planner for tasks that need to get done, but do not have specific designated times (errands, telephone calls, chores, and so on). You will need to teach your child to cross out items as they are completed, and then each evening to transfer items that have yet to be finished to the next day’s list. Items on the list can be prioritized with a numbering or color-coded system.