Pediatric Speech Therapy

Executive Functioning Skills Therapy

Executive functioning is the behind-the-scenes skillset for planning, organizing, and following through — skills that support communication, schoolwork, and daily routines alike. We help kids build practical, real-world strategies rather than abstract advice.

It can look like a backpack that's a mess of loose papers, a child who knows the homework but can't seem to start it, or one who forgets multi-step instructions halfway through.

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AGES

6 to 17 years

SESSIONS

30-45 minutes

FORMAT

In-clinic or telepractice

General guideposts

Executive Functioning Reference Points

General executive functioning milestones:

By age 4
Follows 2-step directions independently.
By age 6-7
Manages simple daily routines with minimal reminders.
By age 9-10
Begins planning and starting homework somewhat independently.
By age 12-13
Manages longer-term assignments and shifting priorities.

General guidance only — every child develops differently. An evaluation gives you an answer specific to your child.

What to look for

Signs Your Child May Benefit

Getting started on homework or chores can feel disproportionately hard for kids who struggle with executive functioning.

Following a sequence of steps without losing their place is a common area of difficulty.

Losing track of assignments, materials, or time itself is a frequent sign worth addressing directly.

Difficulty with flexible thinking often shows up as outsized frustration when routines shift unexpectedly.

Repeated prompting for the same daily steps, well past the age it's expected, is worth a closer look.

Our process

What to Expect

1

A functional skills assessment focused on planning, memory, and organization

2

Individualized strategies like checklists and visual schedules

3

Practice applying those strategies to real homework and daily tasks

Between sessions

How You Can Help at Home

  • • Use visual checklists for multi-step routines like morning or bedtime.
  • • Break larger tasks into smaller, clearly defined steps.
  • • Build in consistent routines, since predictability supports executive function.

Frequently asked

Common Questions

It overlaps — many kids we see have ADHD, but executive functioning support can help regardless of diagnosis.

We typically see the most benefit from early elementary through high school, as academic demands increase.

Executive functioning and communication are closely linked, which is why our speech-language therapists address both together.

Appointments

Build the skills behind the skills.

Serving families in Calabasas · Agoura Hills · Woodland Hills · West Hills · Westlake Village · Tarzana · Encino · Malibu · Simi Valley · Thousand Oaks · Moorpark

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