BEST Websites for Executive Function Disorder (EFD)

The fourth in a series of five articles with specific special needs resources

Challenges with executive function—a set of mental processes that helps connect past experience with present action—can be seen at any age and often contribute to the difficulties that individuals with LD already face in academic learning. Many individuals struggle with executive function, which governs a person’s ability to plan, organize and manage details in everyday life.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---Executive Functioning: Please see website link to follow below here.)

Children who experience executive function disorder (EFD) will often struggle in school with late and/or missing assignments and will have difficulties trying to manage a daily schedule that promotes academic success. These affected children frequently have difficulties with the following:

• managing time & attention
• switching focus
• planning/organizing work & responsibilities
• remembering details
• curbing inappropriate speech or behavior
• integrating past experience with present situations

For adults with executive function issues, behavior such as procrastination, tardiness, memory challenges and more will negatively impact one’s effectiveness and success at work as well as the person’s relationships and home life.

So, what can a parent or teacher do about improving or developing executive functioning skills in a child affected by such challenges? Are there strategies or tips that might help an affected adult with these executive function issues?

We think that the best place to start is with the best information available about executive functioning skills. In keeping with this October’s commemoration of LD Awareness Month, we have gathered some helpful website resources on this topic here in our fourth in a series of five articles. We hope these links will provide the assistance needed to help you or someone you care about with executive functioning challenges.

Executive Function 101---FREE e-Book from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://ncld.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=21301.0&dlv_id=32771

Executive-Function Deficits in Children---from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8392.html

Executive Function Disorder, Explained!---from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7051.html

What Is Executive Function?---from WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/executive-function

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

Games & Strategies to Improve Executive Functions

The summer break period can be an excellent time for parents to help children prepare for the next school year. That time can also provide a great opportunity to improve on such things as problem-solving, goal-setting, follow-through and other skills included in what are often called executive functions. Believe it or not, such skills can be developed or improved by using specific activities, strategies and even games---yes, games. We can't think of a better time to do this than during the summer break!

There has been a recent increase in the amount of information available about these executive functions. What are executive functions? Psychologists and neuro-scientists refer to this term as a unique set of mental functions or skills. These functions are related yet distinct abilities that provide for intentional, goal-directed, problem-solving actions.

In our article this week, we wanted to help parents and teachers help better prepare children and teens for the coming school year. As a result, we are including here a list of links that will provide general information, strategies, games and other resources related to the development and improvement of the various executive functions. Working on these skills now could very well enable your child or student(s) to enjoy a much more successful school year!

General Information about Executive Functions

Executive Functions & ADHD– Overview and invention strategies for parents and teachers (Includes operational definitions of terms) by Adam J. Cox, Ph.D.
http://www.lehighpsych.com/art_adhd.htm

Executive Function Skills and Disorders – WebMD explains what executive function is and discusses problems of executive function, such as difficulty in planning and organizing.
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/executive-function

Executive-Function Deficits in Children - ADDitude Magazine -- Improving executive-function skills can help your ADHD child overcome academic obstacles and frustration and succeed in school. Includes information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, etc.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8392.html

Executive Function..."What is this anyway?" by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S.
Information provided about the components of executive functions, school success strategies and more. Article contains information helpful to teens with ADHD.
http://www.chrisdendy.com/executive.htm

Activities & Strategies to Help Improve Executive Function

Executive Function and ADHD – Improve decision making skills with scientifically designed brain games.
http://www.lumosity.com

Improve Executive Function Through Games - ADDitude Magazine -- Games that help ADHD children (and others) develop or improve executive function.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8935.html

How to Promote Executive Function in Children with ADHD, Autism and Learning Disabilities – by Nancy Konigsberg MA OTR/L—Tips and strategies from a mother who is also an occupational therapist.
http://www.milestonemom.com/how-to-promote-executive-function-in-children-with-adhd-autism-and-learning-disabilities/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Burgeoning School Psychologist: http://skoolpsych.blogspot.com/2013/01/skills-focus-executive-functioning.html