Executive Function Brain Training | Focus, Organization, and Self-Control

Q: What are examples of executive function skills?

Common executive function skills include planning and goal setting, organization, time management, task initiation, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility.

Executive function is the set of mental skills that help people plan, stay organized, control impulses, and complete tasks. These cognitive abilities are essential for success in school, work, and everyday life.

When executive function skills are weak, individuals may struggle with focus, time management, emotional control, and completing responsibilities.

LearningRx provides one-on-one brain training programs designed to strengthen the core cognitive skills that support executive function, helping individuals improve attention, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

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One-on-one cognitive training at LearningRx

What Is Executive Function?

Executive function is a group of cognitive processes that allow the brain to plan, organize, prioritize, regulate behavior, and complete goal-directed tasks. These skills include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control, which help individuals manage thoughts, emotions, and actions effectively.

Executive function is often described as the brain’s management system because it coordinates other cognitive processes required for decision-making, learning, and productivity.

Research from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University identifies three primary components of executive function:

Working Memory – holding and manipulating information in the mind
Cognitive Flexibility – adapting thinking or switching strategies
Inhibitory Control – resisting impulses and distractions

Together, these skills support planning, attention, emotional regulation, and goal completion.

Sources:
Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University
Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology
Cleveland Clinic: Executive Function Overview

Why Executive Function Skills Matter

Executive function skills affect nearly every area of life.

These abilities allow people to:

Plan and complete multi-step tasks
Stay focused despite distractions
Organize information and materials
Manage time and responsibilities
Control impulses and emotions
Solve problems and make decisions

Strong executive function skills help individuals succeed academically, perform effectively at work, and manage daily responsibilities.

When these skills are weak, people may have difficulty applying their intelligence or knowledge effectively.

What Happens When Executive Function Skills Are Weak?

Low executive function skills—sometimes called executive dysfunction—can create challenges in school, work, and everyday life.

Common signs of weak executive function include:

➜ Difficulty Starting or Finishing Tasks

Individuals may procrastinate or feel overwhelmed by multi-step assignments.

➜ Poor Organization

Losing items, forgetting assignments, or struggling to manage materials.

➜ Weak Time Management

Difficulty estimating how long tasks will take or meeting deadlines.

➜ Trouble Following Directions

Multi-step instructions can be difficult to remember or complete.

➜ Impulsivity or Poor Self-Control

Acting before thinking or struggling to regulate behavior.

➜ Emotional Regulation Challenges

Difficulty managing frustration, stress, or disappointment.

Executive function challenges are common among individuals with learning difficulties, attention disorders, or brain injuries, but they can affect anyone.

Sources:
Cleveland Clinic – Executive Function Overview
American Psychological Association
National Institute of Mental Health

How LearningRx Brain Training Targets Executive Function

LearningRx brain training focuses on strengthening the cognitive skills that support executive function.

Training programs are delivered one-on-one with a cognitive trainer and use intensive mental exercises designed to strengthen core brain skills.

Key cognitive skills trained include:

➜ Working Memory

Improves the ability to hold and manipulate information while solving problems.

➜ Attention and Focus

Strengthens sustained concentration and reduces distractibility.

➜ Processing Speed

Helps the brain process information more efficiently.

➜ Reasoning

Improves logical thinking and problem-solving ability.

➜ Cognitive Flexibility

Enhances the ability to shift strategies and adapt to change.

By improving these underlying brain skills, individuals often experience improvements in:

Organization
Task completion
Decision making
Self-regulation
Academic performance
Workplace productivity

Executive Function FAQ

What is executive function in simple terms?

Executive function refers to the brain’s ability to manage thoughts and actions in order to achieve goals. It includes skills such as planning, organization, working memory, impulse control, and flexible thinking.

What causes weak executive function?

Weak executive function can be caused by developmental differences, attention disorders, brain injuries, or delays in cognitive skill development. Stress, sleep deprivation, and certain neurological conditions can also affect executive function.

Can executive function skills improve?

Yes. Executive function skills can improve through targeted cognitive training, structured practice, and experiences that strengthen attention, working memory, and problem-solving abilities.

What are examples of executive function skills?

Common executive function skills include:

Planning and goal setting
Organization
Time management
Task initiation
Emotional regulation
Cognitive flexibility

How does brain training improve executive function?

Brain training strengthens the underlying cognitive skills that support executive function, such as working memory, attention, and reasoning. Strengthening these skills can improve organization, focus, and task completion.

Discover What’s Really Causing the Struggle

If your child is struggling with organization, focus, or completing tasks, the first step is understanding why.

A LearningRx brain skills assessment measures the cognitive skills behind executive function — including attention, working memory, reasoning, and processing speed — to identify strengths and weaknesses.

In just one appointment, you’ll gain clarity about:

Why your child struggles with focus or organization
Which cognitive skills may be holding them back
Whether brain training could help strengthen those skills

Many families describe the assessment as an “aha moment” that finally explains what’s going on beneath the surface.

➜ Schedule a Brain Skills Assessment today and start uncovering the root cause of executive function challenges.

Reviews from our graduates

4.93 National Google Rating

LearningRx has helped more than 138,000 learners work on their learning and thinking skills. Discover the life-changing results that brain training can have on kids, teens, and adults by reading our reviews and testimonials!

While individual results may vary, we’d love the opportunity to work with you or your child!

I recently took an assessment at LearningRx along with my son, and I was very impressed with the entire experience. The staff was professional, welcoming, and explained everything clearly. The environment was clean, organized, and made us feel comfortable from the start. My 15-year-old son has now started brain training sessions, and we’re already seeing how engaged and motivated he is. It’s been a great step for his development, and I appreciate the personalized attention and structure they provide.

Marissa (Houston Central, TX)

LearningRx has been such a game changer for our 9-year-old. We are so thankful for them!

Chris (Chattanooga, TN)

We have been LearningRx clients for over a year and I have been blown away at the progress our student has achieved in this short time! Donesa and her team are absolute academic angels!

Mario (Shreveport, LA)

My son is on the spectrum and doesn’t do well with classroom learning and the environment here has been great for him. If you have a struggling learner and/or reader, I HIGHLY recommend brain training. The more I have learned about tutoring vs brain training, the more I wish I had gotten him here sooner.

Heidi (Eagan, MN)

We’ve been bringing our daughter to the LearningRx for a few years now. We love the staff and have seen amazing results with our daughter. Besides reading improvements and mental math accomplishments, our daughter’s confidence has greatly increased!

Laura (Dublin, OH)

Deciding to proceed with LearningRx turned out to be an excellent choice. By the spring of first grade, Mason showed significant improvements in sitting still, focusing, and remembering tasks, confirmed both at school and home. The best part was Mason expressing his newfound ability to focus and enjoy more free time at school thanks to LearningRx.

Lindsey (Rockford, MN)

Thank you LearningRx for helping me significantly improve my focus! Before I started LearningRx my mind always wonders off and I cannot stay on a task, however in the first week of LearningRx I could already see the difference! I want to thank my trainer Ashley for helping me through this journey, she was very helpful, supportive, and always stayed positive even when I’m feeling down. I want to thank all the LearningRx team too for all the support! My grades are currently doing better than I ever imagined!

Bryan (Eagan, MN)

Our son’s short-term memory has improved. He has a longer attention span and is more resilient.

Kenneth (San Antonio NE, TX)

Everyone was very invested in Anniston’s success. Anniston has researched topics and questions by herself on google a few times in the last couple weeks and that is something she would not have done previously. She spells and reads much better now. She is continuing to grow in her skills.

Lauren (Louisville-Springhurst, KY)

We’ve had an incredible experience with LearningRx in Peoria! My nephew has made huge progress, and one of the most noticeable changes has been how much less time he now spends on homework. What used to take hours is now done in a fraction of the time—and with far less frustration. Lara was especially wonderful to work with—she made the whole process smooth and supportive from day one. We’re so grateful for the care and attention he received. Highly recommend!

Kimberly (Glendale, AZ)

I just wanted to say how thankful that I am to have been recommended LearningRx. Through their expertise, my attention to detail, processing speed, and overall academic confidence have all improved considerably. I recommend these services to both children and adults.

Jacolby McCray (Atlanta-Buckhead, GA)

We have been extremely happy with LearningRx. After just three months of brain training we see great improvements in his willingness and ability to read, follow oral instructions, and not be as resistant to doing hard things. The best part is when he tells me that HE feels a difference in his own brain. This is a win in my book! It’s a huge commitment to do home training, but, the support from LearningRx is always there. I honestly can’t say enough good things about the employees, trainer, front desk and manager.

Alexis (Chattanooga East, TN)

David has done an amazing job helping me with tutoring for ministry college classes, thank you so much David. It’s made all the difference!

Abby (Louisville-Springhurst, KY)

Kenlee was really struggling as a student going into the 2nd grade. She had only been homeschooled. No matter what skills I tried, she was only reading on a kindergarten level and now within 6 months she is on grade level. Her confidence has grown, she is more focused during task, and her behavior is better.

Kandi (Texarkana, TX)

Jessica (Woodbury, MN)

10 stand outs after 10 months with LearningRx! 1. No pressure to buy—worth checking into 2. Very flexible with schedule—great customer SERVICE 3. Diverse & creative materials & activities—never got bored or ‘stuck’ 4. Good authentic encouragers—they inspired me to ACHIEVE 5. Intentional, adaptive & personal assistance—not just a program 6. Hands on tools & success markers—inspired me to progress each session 7. Creative solutions, ideas, coaching –helped me OVERCOME real life obstacles 8. Great testing & tracking—real life improvements I saw in test results 9. Utilize legit longstanding science—proven training that WORKS! 10. Not a phony quick fix—hard work with great trainers & my damaged brain grew new routes!!!

Mat W. (Chandler, AZ)

At age six, my daughter couldn’t recognize all the letters of the alphabet—now she is reading! Austin and his team at LearningRx were encouraging, helpful, and flexible throughout the process. My daughter was excited to participate and proud of her progress. I’m truly impressed and would strongly encourage others to look into LearningRx. It has been life-changing for my child.

Christi (Pensacola, FL)

My child saw improvement in her ability to focus in the classroom while improving her grades both in class and in standardized testing. She also gained confidence which was evident in all areas of life.

Mary (Franklin, TN)

My 15-year old was struggling with getting school work done and for the first time lacked confidence that he could do it. Middle school had been effortless but remote high school was proving to be a problem. Specifically he was having problems reading and retaining the story and meaning of the Odyssey. The journey through LearningRX not only worked on his learning skills but also on the mindset that my son can push through the hard work and do things he did not think he could. The confidence he got from the program is priceless.

Rachel (Charlottesville, VA)

Irene’s support and leadership has been crucial in the progress and success of clients. She has been very responsive of and receptive to parents’ feedback and suggestions and strives to include them in the planning of goals and objectives for purpose of trainings!

Hibroly (Reston, VA)

He’s more confident. He finishes his homework more quickly and with less distraction. He improved in his reading ability.

Ayan (Hopkins, MN)

Our experience with Jacci and her team at LearningRx was fantastic! Our daughter started the program the summer before 3rd grade with goals to improve her reading fluency and math concepts…As she worked through the LearningRx program, her self-confidence and processing speed drastically improved, she no longer needed “special help” at school and she got A’s in reading and math! The encouragement and support from the staff was incredible! Thank you to Jacci, Olivia, and the entire team! We are absolutely thrilled with our daughter’s results and are forever grateful!

Sarah (Appleton, WI)

LearningRX was an enlightening experience for my children. Highly recommend the Eagan location. We worked with Josh, Jacob, and Lily who were fabulous!

Nadyia (Eagan, MN)

The improvements my daughter has made in confidence, reading, math, and in such a short time.

Laura (Dublin, OH)

Our son has made many academic gains over the year and a half attending LearningRx. Our son has gained confidence and has a better outlook on school. His grades have improved and his teacher has seen growth in all academic areas.

Shelly (Milwaukee-Brookfield, WI)

He has struggled with reading and writing since preschool and only continued to fall further behind even with an IEP/school support plan. Coming to LearningRx has been the best decision we have ever made for our son. He absolutely loves coming, the staff is extremely friendly and, also encouraging. We’ve seen tremendous growth in his reading skills and working memory.

Susan (Shoreview, MN)

We found LearningRx when we were seeking help for our 10 year old son, Gabe. Every year at school, we were told that his reading is below grade level. This was exhibited at home with nightly struggles to complete homework, usually entailing two hours of arguing, tears and frustration to complete 15 minutes of homework. Almost immediately, Gabe was reading things at random out loud to us. When school started in the fall, he started doing his homework by himself, without the usual coaxing and arguing.

Kris (Shreveport, LA)

Our son has improved his reading, writing and math over the course of the last 6 months with brain training. Before we started working with LearningRx our son was very resistant to working on improving in these areas because he lacked the confidence in his skills. We now see him sharing his accomplishments with others, and more willing to work independently and receive help when needed. We could not be happier with the results of brain training.

Amanda (Pensacola, FL)

The confidence he has gained, even during the difficult parts. Everybody is always so positive and uplifting. He is better at sticking to the difficult parts and can himself see his own improvements. Logan has improved almost 2 full grade levels in reading. He has more stamina for reading. He is retaining math information better, and knows he is now ‘really good’ at math.

Jessica (Pensacola, FL)

My child had a positive experience and she was able to reach her goals. The wonderful team provided great support throughout session.

Lavanya (Richmond Hill, ON)

My son has dyslexia and was really struggling to read. He not only reads now but reads well and is devouring books! My son also struggles with memory issues among other things, and it’s been so fun to see his memory strengthened and his ability to tell us more things and share more details and even do more things on his own. His confidence absolutely soared after this experience!

Kellee (Woodbury, MN)

The staff was the best. They were always helpful, caring and engaging. We have seen sustained focus during homework and better memory to assist with multi step math problems.

James (Reston, VA)

Great program! My son completed about 4 months of the program and made such a huge change! I wasn’t for sure until I saw the numbers go up! The program director Mrs Donesa was great and very accommodating! My son’s instructor was also great as well, they align the kids to who suits them best, which is great! I would highly recommend.

Brea (Shreveport, LA)

LearningRX has been a blessing to my son. JR had a sports related concussion in March of 2019. He was in the 8th grade and had forgotten simple things in life. I didn’t know how he would finish out his 8th grade year…I came across LearningRX and after the first week or two he could tell that his memory getting better. My son has gained confidence, his memory, and the stamina to work for longer periods of time. JR finished his 8th grade year with straight A’s and was accepted in to the Information and Technology program at high school. A huge thank you to LearnRX and Mr Richard!!!

Genita (Colorado Springs, CO)

The performance of the directors was incredibly supportive and very family oriented. Working with both of them to support our child was a privilege and honour. We have noticed that our child is more confident, has an easier time with approaching challenges and is less anxious. Being apart of the LearningRx family has helped her cognitive, social and logical aptitudes.

Jeff (Richmond Hill, ON)

I can comprehend what I read better, and my writing skills have generally improved (whether it is more reflective or academic writing). I have also noticed improvements in my overall memory. The activities completed each session were very helpful in my improvement.

Aditi (Louisville-Springhurst, KY)

This program has changed the course of the way this child will learn for a lifetime. This is not a band aid program. It doesn’t just cover underlying problems with your learning capabilities. This is a lifelong tool to success. My daughter (8 yo) has ADHD and auditory processing working against her, and we saw the impact that it was having on her ability to focus, memorize, read and spell. Fast forward in time, 100 hours of LearningRx completed, (signing on for 40 more because we can’t get enough) and my child is reading at her grade level, she is excited about school, she is passing tests, her focus is better, her memory is better! I will always consider this the best gift I could give my daughter.

Emily (Franklin, TN)

My child has grown tremendously in her reading skills resulting in not only better academic performance but also decreased frustration. Most of all my child enjoys reading now when it used to be a fight to even try to get through basic sight words.

Gretchen (Louisville-Springhurst, KY)

I was a student at LearningRx 4.5 years ago in high school and now work in Atlanta full time. I often look back and thank LearningRX for helping me further develop the skills I needed to continuously grow academically and professionally. Because of their very hands-on approach and true passion for helping their students, I would 100% recommend their programs.

Austin (Atlanta-Buckhead, GA)

Helped our daughter in a host of ways, from learning and thinking skills, increased confidence and self-esteem, to auditory and visual processing improvements.

Michael (Colorado Springs, CO)

I know that Riley still needs work with his attention and focus. However, I have seen improvement in these areas that has helped his schoolwork. I’ve seen that he’s been a bit quicker to solve a problem and remember what he was doing. These are the biggest areas I’ve seen. Another plus has been that he’ll sit and focus for a longer period of time.

Christen (Glendale, AZ)

Learning Rx is more than we hoped for! My son has many learning delays and is partially deaf, and how Ashley has worked with him to get him to process information over the past 6 months is truly an answer to all of our years of trying to help him. The process is consistent and we have seen real results, cannot say enough positive things about cognitive brain training and what Learning Rx has provided for our son.

Sarah (Cary, NC)

My daughter, Eden, has improved in almost every area possible. Her reading, and willingness to try to sound out things is amazing.

Janet (Staunton-Harrisonburg, VA)

I love being engaged with my trainer. My family feels I am thinking better and not as easily agitated.

Yvonne (Milwaukee-Brookfield WI)

My 11 year old son has been doing Learning Rx all summer and we have noticed many positive changes. He is following through with directions much better, He is more focused on his work and he is more engaged. I think he’s starting to feel more confident as a learner. I am so glad we had the opportunity to this at this time because it has prepared him well for virtual school this year.

Dominique (Charlottesville, VA)

LearningRX is making a huge difference for our son in so many ways. The beginning of his time in the program happened to coincide with the Covid-19 pandemic. I’d say if looking for a silver lining we had one here for sure. Highly recommend, they take great consideration when pairing learners with trainers and the follow up/check in meetings and overall communication is excellent!

Mindy (Charlottesville, VA)

Our experience with LearningRx has been wonderful. Our adult son (24) suffers from executive disorder along with other things. He started working with Carl and has not only gotten to a place that he is excited about going to his appointments but also excited about his future and what he can do next. Thanks Michelle for your leadership!

LaTricia (Chattanooga East, TN)

Our daughter just finished her 80th session and we believe it has improved her focus and confidence tremendously. While debating if we should check it out, we thought we’d rather give it a try instead of continuing to struggle and wonder if we made a mistake by not going or going too late. Now that we are through the sessions, we can say it was worth the time and financial commitment.

Jody (Savage, MN)

We’ve had an incredible experience with LearningRx in Peoria! My nephew has made huge progress, and one of the most noticeable changes has been how much less time he now spends on homework. What used to take hours is now done in a fraction of the time—and with far less frustration. Lara was especially wonderful to work with—she made the whole process smooth and supportive from day one. We’re so grateful for the care and attention he received. Highly recommend!