Executive Function Coaching: Linear Growth is a Myth

Unexpected Growth

Levi was a bright middle schooler with a knack for creative thinking. However, he struggled with organization, which frustrated his parents and teachers. His backpack was a black hole where completed assignments disappeared, and his brilliant ideas often remained trapped in his mind, never making it to paper.

Levi’s parents, at their wits’ end, decided to try executive function coaching. They hoped for a quick fix and envisioned a steady path for improvement. But Levi’s journey was far from straightforward.

For months, it seemed like nothing was changing. Levi still missed assignments and struggled with time management, and his parents questioned whether the coaching was working at all. However, beneath the surface, changes were happening.

During his sophomore year of high school, things clicked. Levi started using a planner consistently, breaking down large projects into manageable steps, and even starting homework without his parents reminding him. His grades improved, and more importantly, the tension at home decreased significantly.

Levi’s story shows what many parents discover about helping kids with executive function skills: sometimes it feels like nothing is changing, and then suddenly, everything falls into place.

Within the past few years, executive function coaching has emerged as a well-known service for students with learning differences. While the research on executive function coaching has been very good, several misconceptions exist that we encounter daily. Why we thing liner growth is a myth.

Addressing the misconceptions of executive function coaching is needed, as it can set unrealistic expectations and frustrate students and their families. Let’s explore what executive function coaching actually is, debunk common myths, and develop an understanding of the zig-zag path of personal growth. 

What is Executive Function Coaching? 

Before we debunk common coaching myths, let’s clarify what executive function coaching really is. 

Executive function coaching helps students improve skills like: 

• Organization 
• Time management 
• Task initiation 
• Achieving Goals

It’s not about “fixing” your child but rather about developing strategies that maximize their strengths and systematize their weaknesses.

Myth #1: Executive Function Coaching Will “Fix” My Child’s Brain

Many parents hope that executive function coaching will “rewire” their child’s brain, eliminating all struggles. This isn’t quite true.

 

 

Reality:

Executive function coaching doesn’t aim to change or “rewire” your child’s brain. Instead, it helps your child harness their strengths while developing strategies to manage challenges.

Children with executive function difficulties often possess gifts like:

• • Hyper-focus on topics of interest

• • Creative, out-of-the-box thinking

• • Ability to thrive in dynamic environments

A great coach helps your child leverage these strengths while building systems to support areas of difficulty.

Myth #2: The One-Size-Fits-All Approach

You might hear about a strategy that worked wonders for your neighbor’s child and expect the same results for yours.

 

Reality:

Every child’s brain is unique, especially those who think differently. What works for one may not work for another.

For instance, a child who struggles with reading comprehension might benefit from:

• • Walking while listening to audiobooks

• • Using text-to-speech to listen to and answer their email

• • Creating mind maps instead of Cornell notes

The key is finding strategies that align with your child’s learning style and interests.

Myth #3: The Growth Should Be Linear and Quick

This is the most frustrating myth for parents, students, and coaches alike. We often expect to see steady, consistent improvement once coaching begins. Also, results are rarely quick. It takes hard work, consistency, and time before we see significant growth.

 

Reality:

The development of executive function skills is complex and often non-linear. Your child’s journey might look like:

• Periods of rapid progress

• Plateaus where little seems to change

• Temporary setbacks (especially during times of stress or transition)

• Sudden breakthroughs after long periods of apparent stagnation

We see many stories like Levi’s where the growth seems sudden, but it was the result of months of consistent effort and strategy building before everything clicked.

The Truth About Executive Function Coaching Benefits 

So, will your child benefit from executive function coaching? The answer is likely yes, but perhaps not the way you initially expect. 

Benefits often include: 

• Improved academic performance 
• Increased self-confidence and independence 
• Reduced family tension around schoolwork 
• Better stress management and reduced anxiety 
• Development of lifelong skills for success beyond academics 

However, these benefits may unfold gradually and in unexpected ways. 

The Power of Persistence 

To illustrate the non-linear nature of growth in executive function coaching, let me share a real-life example.

I began working with Henry when he was in 8th grade. Despite his intellectual gifts, Henry struggled with organization and time management. His backpack was a mess, he frequently missed the bus and often failed to turn in assignments he had completed. His teachers, not recognizing the underlying executive function challenges, viewed his behavior as disrespectful. 

Throughout high school and into college, Henry and I worked together on developing strategies to manage his executive function challenges. Progress was often significant but was followed by times that felt slow and inconsistent. There were times when his family questioned whether the coaching was making any difference at all. But then, around his junior year of college, everything started to change. The habits and routines we had been practicing for years finally began to take root: 

• Henry established a consistent bedtime routine. 
• He created a dedicated study area. 
• He regularly attended his professor’s office hours. 
• He sought out structured environments conducive to his success.  

The transformation wasn’t overnight, but it was profound. Henry graduated college with honors, secured a great job, and started a family. While he still has to consciously manage his executive function challenges, his progress is undeniable. Henry’s story perfectly illustrates the myths we’ve debunked: 

1. We didn’t “fix” his brain. Instead, we developed strategies that worked with his unique cognitive style. 
2. The approach was highly individualized. What ultimately worked for Henry might not work for everyone. 
3. His progress was far from linear. 

There were years of seemingly little progress before a significant leap forward.

Henry’s journey reinforces the truth about executive function coaching:

It’s not about quick fixes or linear progress. It’s about laying a foundation, building skills over time, and trusting in the process, even when progress isn’t immediately visible.

Will your child benefit from executive function coaching? If Henry’s story tells us anything, it’s that with patience, persistence, and the right support, the answer is likely yes. The path is not for the weak, but with the obstacle often lies the gift. 

Parenting a child who struggles with executive function can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let Untapped help!

For More: 

Learning Isn’t Always Linear 

Common Myths about Executive Function Challenges