"....For students, EFD can be devastating because the very skills necessary to be a successful student are those they lack. These students have a particularly difficult time picking topics, getting started on assignments, adding elaboration to writing projects, sequencing, prioritizing assignments, planning out long-term projects, meeting deadlines, organizing materials, sustaining attention, and attending to details. Often, they will reach a point where they are so overwhelmed they will shut down completely, and do nothing except maybe play video games, watch TV, or go on Facebook.
Silly mistakes on math tests, forgetting to do their homework or doing homework and forgetting to turn it in, failing math and science tests because they forgot formulas, and a strong dislike for reading are all common characteristics for kids with EFD. These kids are often fixtures in detention because they are typically late for school or class, and are subjected to constant lectures for lack of motivation from parents and teachers. It should not come as a shock that these kids have lower self-esteem and self-confidence, and think they are not as smart as their peers.
You may wonder if it’s possible for someone with EFD to effectively manage the challenges to become a successful student. The answer is an unequivocal “yes.” There are an enormous number of (almost) fail-proof strategies to help students with AFD effectively navigate their way through school. However, I believe the most important place to start is by showing sensitivity to those who live with these deficits. Although many with EDF cope by pretending they are in on the joke when their friends and family affectionately tease them, l can tell you from experience, it is far from amusing to them...."