Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Ever wonder why dyslexia affects more than reading? Watching your child struggle is heartbreaking, but the truth is—they aren’t broken. Dyslexia doesn’t erase strengths; it means their brain needs different supports.
With the right tools and calm guidance, your child can discover smarter ways to manage tasks and shine. In this blog, we’ll explore the link between dyslexia and executive function—and share practical, science-backed strategies tailored to your child’s unique brain.
What is the Connection Between Dyslexia and Executive Function?
Children with dyslexia don’t just struggle with reading words on a page—their brain often works harder across the board.
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes language, and executive function challenges can make everyday tasks—from getting homework done to remembering soccer cleats—feel overwhelming (López-Zamora et al., 2025).
It impacts executive function skills such as:
- Planning and organizing
- Following multi-step directions
- Managing time
- Holding onto information (working memory)
When daily routines spiral, it isn’t stubbornness or laziness—it’s a dysregulated brain.
With calm guidance and patience, kids can learn new ways to manage these challenges and uncover strengths that surprise everyone. Calm the Brain First, Everything Follows.
What Are the Signs My Child With Dyslexia Has Executive Function Problems?
Parents may notice:
- Constant forgetfulness (homework, chores, belongings)
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks
- Meltdowns when routines change
- Difficulty prioritizing what to do first
- Reading feels painfully slow and draining
Parent Story:
Lily, mom of a 9-year-old, noticed her daughter would cry during homework. It wasn’t laziness—it was her brain running out of executive function energy.
Once Lily shifted from “Why won’t she try?” to “Her brain is dysregulated,” everything changed. Together, they built calming routines and broke tasks into smaller steps. Homework became doable instead of explosive.
What looks like defiance is often dysregulation. Remember—behavior is communication.
How Does Dyslexia Impact Working Memory and Organization?
Working memory is like a mental sticky note. For kids with dyslexia, that sticky note can feel way too small.
- Reading: They lose track of what a sentence said.
- Math: They forget steps in multi-part problems.
- Daily life: They can’t recall a three-step direction like “brush teeth, pack bag, grab lunchbox” (Chalmpe & Vlachos, 2025).
What looks like distraction or avoidance is often just a brain running out of working memory space. It’s not misbehavior—it’s dysregulation.
How Can Parents Support Executive Function at Home?
Supporting executive function doesn’t mean drilling your child harder. It means calming the brain first and adding scaffolds.
Practical tips:
- Break tasks into chunks
- Use visual checklists
- Build calming routines before schoolwork
- Model regulation: “When you calm, they calm.”
Takeaway: Small changes create big wins when we start with regulation.
What Helps in the Classroom for Kids With Dyslexia and Executive Function Struggles?
Teachers can make a world of difference for students with dyslexia by adjusting how information is presented:
- Provide visual aids and graphic organizers
- Allow extra time for reading and writing tasks
- Offer clear, step-by-step instructions
- Encourage movement breaks to reset the nervous system
Story Example:
Marcus, age 10, often melted down in the mornings. His teacher gave him a simple laminated checklist: hang backpack, take out folder, sit at desk. That small shift brought calm to his mornings and cut down on daily meltdowns.
Takeaway: When teachers scaffold executive function, kids feel capable—not broken. And when the brain is calm, learning becomes possible.
Can Executive Function Improve Over Time?
Yes—executive function can grow stronger with:
- Nervous system regulation (movement, breathing, sensory tools)
- Repetition and consistent routines
- Brain-based therapies (like neurofeedback, OT, and my BrainBehaviorReset™ program)
It’s not about drilling harder—it’s about giving the brain the right supports so kids can build skills and confidence over time.
What’s the Most Important First Step for Parents?
Start by reframing:
- It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.
- Behavior is communication.
- Calm the brain first; learning follows.
Story Example:
After months of tears, homework battles, and school calls, Luis’s parents tried co-regulation—breathing with him before reading. Within weeks, he was calmer and less resistant. The reading didn’t magically get easy, but his brain was steady enough to keep trying.
Takeaway: You’re not failing. Small regulation steps really can lead to big wins.
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
How do I know if my child needs testing?
If forgetfulness, meltdowns, or task struggles are daily battles, ask your school or a specialist for a neuropsych or QEEG assessment.
What role do parents play?
Parents are co-regulators. Your calm helps your child regulate, making strategies stick.
Do accommodations at school really help?
Absolutely—simple changes like extended time or checklists can relieve executive function overload.
Citations
Chalmpe, M., & Vlachos, F. (2025). WORKING AND LONG-TERM MEMORY DEFICITS IN DEVELOPMENTAL DYSLEXIA. INTED Proceedings, 1, 3482–3487. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2025.0885
López-Zamora, M., Porcar-Gozalbo, N., López-Chicheri García, I., & Cano-Villagrasa, A. (2025). Linguistic and Cognitive Abilities in Children with Dyslexia: A Comparative Analysis. European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education, 15(3), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030037
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Neurodivergence who frequently is in the media:
- Parade 11 Things a Child Psychologist Is Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Doing
- Parents Are Your Kid’s Meltdowns a Sign of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment varies by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
Are you looking for SOLUTIONS for your struggling child or teen?
Dr. Roseann and her team are all about science-backed solutions, so you are in the right place!
