WHAT IS EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING?
Understanding Executive Functioning
Executive functioning, or executive function skills, encompasses mental processes that enable individuals to manage and coordinate their cognitive abilities and behaviors. These skills are crucial for goal-setting, problem-solving, planning, and emotional regulation. Children learn task planning through routines like getting ready in the morning.
Many children need help with transitions and tasks, however, for some children, these types of activities are much more challenging to accomplish independently. Executive functions manage emotional control and self-regulation and are crucial for life tasks and social interactions.
EXAMPLES OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS INCLUDE:
PLANNING
The ability to plan and achieve goals
SELF-CONTROL
Exercising self-control and managing impulses
FOCUS
Maintaining focus amidst distractions
FLEXIBLE THINKING
Considering different options and adapting to new situations
The frontal lobe of the brain primarily controls executive functioning skills. Research has shown that a solid set of these skills can positively impact emotional and physical health, offering a beacon of hope for those struggling with ADHD and overall quality of life. Conversely, weak executive functioning skills can pose academic, professional, and social challenges.
Additional research has demonstrated that enhancing critical executive function skills can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of ADHD on academic success. Armed with personalized strategies, techniques, and support, an executive function coach can empower students to thrive, setting them up for long-term achievements.
What is Executive Functioning Coaching?
Executive functioning coaching aims to improve a child’s academic and personal achievements by identifying their strengths, challenges, and goals. An executive functioning coach works with adult caregivers to set objectives and create a personalized plan for the child. This coaching also concentrates on enhancing study and self-regulation skills, particularly addressing challenges related to working memory.
rit. Learning & Consulting takes a Holistic Approach to Coaching
Holistic EF coaching acknowledges that many executive functions are interrelated and often nestled between layers of social and emotionally constructed pressures. Realistically, only some of these functions can be improved at a time. When teaching executive functions, everything must be broken down to build competencies that lead to successfully meeting goals. Moving from executive functions to executive functioning involves having a goal, creating action plans, self-regulating behavior and emotions, and being flexible.
Accomplishing a goal requires getting things done, effective time management, and learning from past experiences. This process, facilitated by executive functioning coaching, can transform negative emotions into positive ones and fuel motivation, inspiring students to reach their full potential. The role of emotional regulation in this journey is crucial and continues to evolve throughout life.
BREAKING DOWN ADHD STIGMA
How VAST Enhances Understanding of Executive Functioning
Newer research is acknowledging the profound negative impact the stigmatized term “ADHD” has on neurodiverse learners.
ADHD has a long history of negative portrayal in media, as well as pervasive negative associations related to intelligence, work ethic, and ability. The term is rife with deluded misinformation spanning from beliefs about its validity, perceived dangers of stimulant medication, technology use, and “bad” parenting.
ADHD stigma leads to feelings of shame and embarrassment for those diagnosed with it. An evolved and more accurate term for ADHD is “Variable Attention Stimulus Trait,” or VAST, a term that aims to remove the stigma associated with ADHD as a “deficit disorder.” It highlights the variability and strengths of children with this kind of brain, encouraging a more open-minded and enlightened view of ADHD.
Improving Emotional Regulation and Task Management in Children
I am an educational leader with a strong passion for immediate, direct impact and improved student outcomes through a holistic and integrated approach to support. Learn more about executive functioning and how an integrated approach to support can help your family.