Help for Executive Functioning Disorder (EFD)

Executive Functioning Disorder Treatment and Therapy in Toronto

What is Executive Functioning Disorder?

Executive functioning disorder is characterized by cognitive, behavioural, and emotional difficulties. These individuals struggle with organization, problem-solving, time management, and completing tasks. It also affects their ability to control their emotions and behaviour as well as their social interactions. Fortunately, there are many effective virtual and in-person treatments and therapies in Toronto that can help children develop their executive functioning skills.

What are Common Symptoms of Executive Functioning Disorder?

Children with executive functioning disorder may show the following symptoms:

• Difficulty controlling emotions or impulses

• Difficulty organizing, planning, or completing tasks

• Difficulty concentrating, listening

• Difficulty with short-term memory

• Difficulty learning from past consequences

• Difficulty problem-solving

• Difficulty learning or processing information

• Socially inappropriate behaviour

• Difficulty following conversations

How to Support Children with Executive Functioning Disorder?

• For instructions:

  • Use verbal cues to indicate when something is important to remember

  • Provide options for completing activities (i.e. verbally instead of writing)

  • Use a token system to reward positive behaviour

• For social skills:

  • Use activities/games that encourage problem-solving skills and sustained attention

  • Use role-play/videos to teach the child turn-taking and how to start and maintain a conversation

• For emotional regulation:

  • Allow for body breaks in a cool down zone if the child is losing their focus or overly energetic

Executive Functioning Disorder Support for Families

 For individuals and families in Toronto struggling with executive functioning disorder, there are a variety of in-person and virtual treatments that may be beneficial, including:

• Executive functioning disorder or ADHD groups and programs for kids for behaviour and self-regulation

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Social skills training

• Emotional regulation training

• Executive functioning disorder parent training in behaviour management for kids

• Online executive functioning disorder programs