Attention and executive functioning challenges may show up as distractibility, difficulty following instructions, trouble starting tasks, losing materials, emotional overwhelm, or becoming “stuck” during routines or schoolwork. Children may appear disorganised, scattered or inconsistent day to day.

Parents often report feeling unsure whether it’s attention, sensory overload, anxiety, motivation or developmental gaps driving the behaviour. You may notice homework battles, frustration, avoidance or fatigue from constant mental effort.

Attention and executive functioning rely on sensory regulation, postural control, interoception, working memory, cognitive flexibility and environmental demands. Therapy supports these areas through body-based regulation, executive functioning strategies, visual supports, motor planning activities and sensory approaches that help children sustain attention, manage transitions and engage more fully in learning.

If attention or executive functioning challenges are impacting learning or routines, occupational therapy can support focus, organisation and confidence in daily tasks.