Does my child struggle with "Executive Functioning"?
Do you often hear about "Executive Functions" and wonder what they are all about?
They are a set of cognitive processes that are often discussed in relation to learning. Executive Function, which is controlled by the prefrontal part of the brain, is more complex than just the ability to “get things done”.
Executive Functions are broken down into different categories (the number of categories seems to vary depending on who the researcher/author is). Here is one model where the researchers have represented the Executive Function as eleven different categories or skills:
Response inhibition
Working memory
Emotional control
Sustained attention
Task initiation
Planning/prioritization
Organization
Time management
Goal-directed persistence
Flexibility
Metacognition
-(Dawson & Guare) ⠀
If someone has weak executive functions, they may present as disorganized, forgetful, easily distracted and find it hard to get started. Children with learning differences, such as ADHD often have challenges in some executive functions.
Executive Function skills can have a huge impact on a child’s learning experience. Let’s consider some instances where kids need executive skills:
The teacher provides free time to get a number of different activities completed
Needing to get to school (or log in to classes) at certain times throughout the day
Having a long-term project that needs to be completed (and needs to be broken down into smaller steps to finish along the way)
Juggling multiple courses and deadlines
Trying to work through a task that is difficult or challenging
Needing to edit or correct errors in work
Resisting temptation (such as outside distractions)
Struggling with Executive Functioning skills can affect not only the specific skills encompassed under this umbrella, but can also have an effect on things like self-esteem, comfort in school, and confidence in learning. Executive Functions are an important and often overlooked part of the student experience.
We are therefore very excited that Dr. Tori Cordiano will be joining us for our 2020 Summit this year to talk about Executive Functions!
Dr. Cordiano is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the emotional, psychological, and behavioral development of children and adolescents. She maintains a private practice where she provides comprehensive evaluations and psychotherapy. Dr. Cordiano is also a consulting psychologist for Laurel School and the Director of Research for Laurel School’s Center for Research on Girls. She writes and speaks frequently on the topics of child and adolescent development and social-emotional and executive functioning.
Dr. Cordiano will be one of our guest speakers and will be discussing: “Executive Functions in Everyday Life: Relationships with Anxiety and Social-Emotional Development”.
This talk will provide an overview of executive functions, including what they are, when they develop, and how they impact activities and relationships. Special focus will be given to the interplay between executive functioning and anxiety and managing executive functioning demands during these unprecedented times. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of executive functions and ideas to support their development in children of all ages.
Our Summit has gone VIRTUAL this year. It will take place on November 13-15th and you can gain access to all of the guest speakers and the keynote speaker with one donation. We are covering lots of topics from technology, to sleep, to executive function and apps, and more!