Executive Functioning in College Students: When Is Extra Support Needed?
Updated: Sep 22
by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP
Introduction
Starting college is an exciting step toward independence. But for some students, the transition from high school to college can reveal significant challenges with executive functioning skills.
A student may be bright, motivated, and capable, yet struggle to manage assignments, keep track of deadlines, organize their schedule, start tasks, or complete work independently.
These challenges can be frustrating for both students and parents. Parents may wonder, “Why can’t my child just get organized?” or “Is this typical college adjustment, or does my child need additional support?”
The answer may involve executive functioning.
What Is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning refers to the mental skills we use to manage everyday tasks and responsibilities. These skills help us plan, organize, prioritize, initiate tasks, manage time, regulate attention, and follow through.
For college students, executive functioning skills are especially important because college requires much more independence than high school.
What Can Executive Functioning Difficulties Look Like in College?
Executive functioning challenges can look different from student to student.
A college student may:• Frequently miss deadlines• Wait until the last minute to begin assignments• Have difficulty estimating how long tasks will take• Forget appointments, classes, or responsibilities• Become overwhelmed by large assignments• Struggle to decide where to begin• Have difficulty prioritizing what needs to be done first• Lose track of important information• Need frequent reminders from parents• Have trouble maintaining a consistent routine• Start assignments but struggle to finish them• Procrastinate even when they know the consequences• Feel anxious or frustrated when faced with multiple tasks
Sometimes parents describe their child as “smart but disorganized” or say, “He knows what he needs to do, but he just can’t seem to get himself to do it.”
This can be a sign that the student needs support with executive functioning skills rather than simply needing to “try harder.”
Why Does College Make Executive Functioning More Difficult?
College places new demands on students.
In high school, students often have teachers reminding them about upcoming assignments. Parents may also provide significant structure and oversight.
College students are expected to take much more responsibility for themselves.
There may be fewer reminders, larger assignments, more unstructured time, and multiple deadlines occurring at the same time.
A student who managed reasonably well with the structure of high school may suddenly struggle when that structure disappears.
This does not necessarily mean the student lacks motivation. Sometimes the missing piece is how to manage the demands independently.
When Should a College Student Get Executive Functioning Support?
Additional support may be appropriate when executive functioning difficulties are interfering with a student’s academic performance, independence, or daily life.
Consider seeking support if your college student consistently:
Needs parents to manage their schedule: If you are still regularly reminding your child about assignments, appointments, deadlines, or basic responsibilities, they may need help developing independent systems.
Procrastinates despite wanting to succeed: Knowing something needs to be done does not always translate into being able to initiate the task.
Becomes overwhelmed by large assignments: Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps is an important executive functioning skill.
Struggles with time management: A student may underestimate how long assignments will take or have difficulty balancing academics, work, social activities, and other responsibilities.
Has difficulty prioritizing: When everything feels important, it can be difficult to determine what needs attention first.
Is struggling despite having the academic ability: A student can understand the material and still have difficulty completing and managing the work required.
Executive Functioning Support Is About Building Independence
The goal of executive functioning support is not to do the work for the student.
It is to help students develop strategies they can eventually use independently.
Sessions may focus on skills such as:• Planning and organization• Time management• Task initiation• Prioritization• Breaking down assignments• Managing long-term projects• Developing routines• Improving follow-through• Using calendars and organizational systems• Preparing for college and increased independence
The strategies should be practical and individualized. A system that works for one student may not work for another.
Can Executive Functioning Skills Improve?
Yes. Executive functioning skills can be developed and strengthened with practice, appropriate strategies, and support.
For many students, the goal is not perfection. It is learning how to recognize where they are getting stuck and developing strategies that make challenging tasks more manageable.
Over time, students can become more confident in managing their responsibilities without relying as heavily on parents.
Supporting Your College Student
Parents often want to help, but it can be difficult to know when helping becomes doing too much for their child.
Instead of repeatedly reminding a student about every assignment or deadline, support can gradually shift toward helping the student develop systems for managing those responsibilities themselves.
For example, rather than asking, “Did you do your paper?” parents can encourage their student to identify the next step, determine when they will complete it, and use a calendar or task-management system to keep track of their plan.
The ultimate goal is independence.
When Professional Executive Functioning Support May Help
If executive functioning challenges are consistently interfering with a college student’s academic performance or independence, individualized support can make a meaningful difference.
At All Island Speech & Stuttering Therapy, executive functioning support can help teens and young adults develop practical strategies for organization, planning, time management, task initiation, prioritization, and follow-through.
The focus is on helping each student understand their individual challenges and develop strategies they can use in school and in everyday life.
Helping Young Adults Become More Independent
College is about much more than academics. It is also a time when young adults are learning how to manage their own responsibilities.
When executive functioning challenges get in the way, the right support can help students develop the skills and confidence they need to move toward greater independence.
If you are concerned about your teen or young adult’s executive functioning skills, a consultation can help determine whether additional support may be appropriate.
Contact All Island Speech & Stuttering Therapy
Executive Functioning Support for Teens and Young Adults
516-776-0184
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