EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

Executive Function Support in Ottawa

Getting ready for school, finishing homework and keeping track of belongings all take planning. For some children, these tasks feel much harder than they look. At Ottawa OT, our registered occupational therapists help children and youth build organization, planning and attention skills. Our OTs are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). We see children at home, at school or online, anywhere in Ottawa.

What executive function and attention involve

Executive function is a set of thinking skills that help us manage daily life. These skills help a child plan, start and finish tasks. They also help with staying focused and shifting between activities.

Executive function skills include:

• Planning: figuring out the steps to reach a goal

• Organization: keeping track of materials, time and ideas

• Starting tasks: getting going without a lot of reminders

• Focus: paying attention and filtering out distractions

• Working memory: holding information in mind while using it

• Flexibility: coping when plans change

• Self-monitoring: checking work and noticing mistakes

• Emotional regulation: managing feelings so they don't take over

These skills keep developing through childhood and the teen years. Some children need extra support and strategies along the way.

Signs your child may benefit from executive function support

Every child forgets things or gets distracted at times. You might consider support if you often notice:

• Morning and bedtime routines need constant reminders

• Your child loses or forgets items, like lunch bags or homework

• Starting homework is a daily struggle

• Tasks are often left half-done

• Their backpack, desk or room is very disorganized

• They have trouble following multi-step directions

• Changes to plans lead to big frustration

• They lose track of time

• Longer school projects feel overwhelming

• Teachers mention trouble with focus in class

You don't need a diagnosis to book an assessment. We see children with and without diagnoses such as ADHD.

How our OTs help with executive function and attention

Our paediatric occupational therapy begins with an initial assessment. Your OT asks about your child's routines, school demands and the areas causing stress. They may use questionnaires and observe your child during tasks. With your permission, we can include input from teachers.

Next, we set goals together. Goals are practical and connected to daily life. For example, a goal might be packing a school bag on their own, or starting homework with fewer reminders.

Therapy is then planned as a 10-session block. A block allows time to learn, try and refine strategies. It also lets your OT review progress and adjust the plan. We offer session blocks only, not single visits, so support stays steady.

Your OT may work on:

• Visual schedules, checklists and routine charts

• Breaking big tasks into smaller steps

• Tools for tracking time, like timers and planners

• Setting up workspaces that reduce distractions

• Movement breaks and strategies to help with focus

• Coping strategies for transitions and changes

• Organizing systems for backpacks, desks and bedrooms

After every session, you receive a written debrief. It covers what we worked on, how your child responded and ideas to use at home.

Bingo Books: practice between sessions

Our care includes Bingo Books. These are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Your child picks activities from their card and checks them off as they go. The format itself builds planning and follow-through, in a way that feels like a game.

Where sessions happen

Ottawa OT is a mobile practice that serves families across Ottawa.

• At home: Your OT can work on real routines in the spaces where they happen, like the kitchen or bedroom.

• At school: With the school's permission, your OT can observe classroom demands. We can share strategies with teachers to support consistency.

• Online: Virtual sessions can work well for planning, organization and coaching, especially for older children and teens.

Your OT can help you choose the setting that fits your child's goals.

Executive function links to many other skills. You may also want to read about school readiness, sensory processing and handwriting. For details on payment and coverage, visit our funding page.

Executive function FAQ

Does my child need an ADHD diagnosis?

No. A diagnosis is not needed to book with Ottawa OT. Our OTs focus on your child's daily challenges, whatever the reason behind them.

Can a pediatric OT help teenagers with organization?

Yes. We work with children and youth. Teens often work on planning, time management and study routines.

Is this the same as tutoring?

No. Tutoring focuses on school subjects. Occupational therapy looks at the skills and strategies that help a child manage tasks and routines.

How involved are parents?

Parents play a big role. The written debriefs and Bingo Books help you support new strategies between sessions.

Book a free 15-minute call

Do daily routines feel harder than they should? Let's talk. Book a free 15-minute call to share your concerns and ask questions. We'll explain how our assessment and session blocks work.

Book a free 15-minute call