Understanding the Connection and How We Can Help
Living with dyslexia can often feel like navigating the world with an extra weight on your shoulders. Many people with dyslexia face challenges not just with reading or writing but also with executive functioning—the skills we all need to plan, stay organized, manage time, and follow through on tasks. These difficulties can be isolating, especially when they lead to chronic procrastination, missed deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed in both school and work settings.
At PRI Treatment Center, we understand that dyslexia isn’t just about struggling with words—it’s about the full spectrum of challenges that affect everyday life. The connection between dyslexia and executive functioning is often overlooked, but recognizing it is the first step toward finding real, practical solutions that help you or your loved one thrive.
What Is Executive Functioning, and Why Does It Matter for People with Dyslexia?
Think of executive functioning as the mental “software” that helps us organize our lives—setting goals, managing time, and following through. For individuals with dyslexia, these skills don’t always work as smoothly as they should. This can lead to difficulties in:
- Planning and organizing tasks: Breaking down big projects into manageable steps can feel impossible.
- Managing time effectively: It’s easy to lose track of time or underestimate how long a task will take, leading to missed deadlines.
- Staying on task: Getting started on tasks can be overwhelming, and following through can feel like a constant battle.
- Prioritizing responsibilities: Knowing which tasks to tackle first can be tough, leaving you feeling stuck or unproductive.
When dyslexia and executive functioning challenges overlap, they often create a cycle of frustration. You may feel like you’re putting in the effort but still fall short, especially when it comes to meeting expectations at school or in the workplace. Unfortunately, these difficulties are often misunderstood, leaving individuals feeling discouraged or mislabeled as “disorganized” or “lazy.” But the truth is, these challenges are part of a bigger picture—one that can be managed with the right support.
The Overlooked Connection Between Dyslexia and Executive Functioning
Too often, we see people with dyslexia being judged for not following through on tasks, missing deadlines, or procrastinating—without realizing that these are symptoms of a deeper issue related to executive functioning. It’s not just about reading and writing; it’s about the cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, and follow through with those tasks. For example:
- Chronic procrastination might stem from difficulty prioritizing tasks or feeling overwhelmed by the steps involved.
- Difficulty following directions can arise from challenges in organizing information or remembering details.
- Time management struggles are often a result of impaired working memory or the inability to judge how long a task will take.
Research, including the study “Executive Functioning in Children with Dyslexia”, confirms that dyslexia often co-occurs with executive function impairments, making it harder to manage tasks effectively. This isn’t a reflection of intelligence or motivation—it’s simply how the brain processes information differently.
Common Executive Functioning Struggles for People with Dyslexia
If any of the following sound familiar, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common executive function challenges faced by those with dyslexia:
- Procrastination and task avoidance: You might know what needs to be done but find it hard to get started, feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the process.
- Difficulty following through: Starting a task is easy, but staying on track and finishing it can be much harder, especially if you don’t have a clear plan.
- Misjudging time: Whether you’re underestimating how long a task will take or simply losing track of time, time management can be a constant struggle.
- Task switching issues: Moving from one project to another can feel disorienting, especially when priorities aren’t clearly defined.
It’s important to remember that these challenges don’t make you “lazy” or “disorganized”—they’re symptoms of a neurodivergent brain trying to navigate a world that wasn’t built for different thinking styles. By understanding the connection between dyslexia and executive functioning, we can begin to treat these challenges with the same compassion and strategy used for any other aspect of recovery.
How PRI Treatment Center Can Help
At PRI Treatment Center, we’re committed to providing holistic, personalized care for individuals facing neurodivergent challenges like dyslexia and executive function difficulties. Our approach isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about helping you gain the tools and strategies you need to live a fulfilling, empowered life. We know that every person is unique, which is why we tailor our treatment to fit your specific needs and goals.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Outpatient Program (OP) all incorporate strategies for improving executive functioning—from time management techniques to goal-setting, organization, and task initiation. With a combination of CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based therapies, we work with you to build skills that make a real difference in your daily life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with dyslexia and the accompanying executive functioning difficulties, PRI Treatment Center is here to offer support every step of the way. Our compassionate team of therapists and specialists will work alongside you to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.
Visit our Neurodivergent Care page to learn more about our programs and how we can help.
Raising Awareness, Building Connection
The connection between dyslexia and executive functioning is one that is often overlooked, but it’s one that can profoundly affect how individuals experience school, work, and everyday life. By shedding light on this connection, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of these challenges and encourage greater empathy and support for those facing them.
At PRI, we believe in meeting individuals where they are—whether that means helping someone get started with a new task, teaching time management skills, or simply offering a safe, supportive space to grow. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing dyslexia and executive function challenges, we’re here to help you on your journey.
Get in touch today to learn more about how our programs can help you thrive. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—we’re here to walk with you.
Dr. Warter received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkely, California, completed his Predoctoral Internship at USC’s Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at USC’s Institute for Integrative Health and Wellness. Dr. Warter has also been trained at UCSF School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and in community clinics in rural, underserved communities in Argentina and Paraguay. Dr. Warter has received training in providing parents with guidelines to help prevent behavior problems and enhance communication skills and strategies to promote children’s social, emotional, and academic competence. Dr. Warter has also published and presented at the University of Naples and the University of Buenos Aires on subjects related to Third Culture Kids and the impacts of Social Media on Personality and Self Esteem.
Dr. Charles Warter, PsyD
