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Teenagers

Supporting Executive Functioning in Children & Youth

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

 

Does your child or teenager struggle with planning, organization, focus, or emotional control?

 

These challenges are often linked to executive functioning skills — the “management system” of the brain that helps us set goals, make plans, start tasks, and see them through.

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At Thrive Therapy, our Occupational Therapists work alongside families and educators to help children and youth strengthen these essential life skills.

What is Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning is our brain's management system that helps us use a set of cognitive skills that help us:

  • Plan and organize tasks

  • Manage time effectively

  • Start and finish homework or chores

  • Remember instructions

  • Adapt to changes and problem-solve

  • Regulate emotions and behaviour

 

When executive functioning skills are underdeveloped, children may appear forgetful, easily distracted, "lazy" or "unmotivated", overwhelmed, or resistant to routines.

How Occupational Therapists Help

Our Occupational Therapists use evidence-based, individualized strategies to support children and youth, including:

 

Assessment & Goal Setting

  • We start by identifying your child’s strengths and challenges in daily life, then set meaningful, achievable goals together.

 

Developing Practical Strategies

We teach and practice tools like:

  • Visual schedules and planners

  • Task checklists and step-by-step guides

  • “Chunking” tasks into smaller, manageable parts

  • Time management aids like timers and apps

  • Organizational systems for schoolwork and belongings

 

Building Self-Regulation & Emotional Control

  • Through mindfulness, sensory strategies, and movement breaks, we help children and youth learn how to stay calm, focused, and flexible.

 

Enhancing Working Memory

  • Fun, play-based activities, games, and everyday routines are used to strengthen memory and attention skills.

 

Collaboration with Families & Schools

  • We work closely with caregivers and teachers to create consistent supports across home and school environments.

Who can benefit?

Children and youth with:

  • ADHD or ADD

  • Learning disabilities

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Anxiety

  • History of concussion or acquired brain injury

  • Or anyone who struggles with organization, time management, or emotional regulation

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Our services are available in-clinic, at home, in schools, and through virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility for all families.

Book a Consult

Executive functioning skills don’t develop overnight — but with the right support, children and youth can build confidence and independence. Contact us today to learn more or book a free 15-minute consult!

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