How to Help Your Child Overcome Executive Function Challenges
Jun 5, 2022
auto_awesome
This podcast provides insights on executive function coaching and strategies to help children with ADHD thrive. Topics discussed include time management, organizational and study skills, standard intervention strategies for attention and executive functioning deficits, strategies to help children be more motivated, strategies for helping children with emotional difficulties, and strategies to help children overcome executive function challenges.
Using structure and tools like calendars and task lists can help individuals with executive function challenges stay organized and focused.
Regulating emotions and addressing emotional difficulties is crucial for optimal executive function, and strategies like deep breathing exercises and cognitive behavioral tools can help improve memory abilities.
Deep dives
Understanding Executive Function Impairments
Executive function impairments refer to a set of mental processes involved in completing tasks and participating effectively in events. These processes include working memory, prioritizing, planning, task initiation, and more. While commonly associated with ADHD, executive function weaknesses can also be present in individuals without ADHD, caused by conditions like anxiety or depression. A key intervention strategy is to provide structure, such as using calendars, task lists, and automated reminders. These tools help individuals keep track of tasks and maintain focus, especially for those who struggle with attention issues.
Addressing Emotional Difficulties and Memory
Emotional regulation plays a crucial role in executive function. Difficult emotions can overwhelm individuals and negatively impact memory and attention. Strategies like cognitive behavioral tools and deep breathing exercises can help regulate emotions and improve memory abilities. External factors like sleep also affect attention and memory. Therefore, it is important to address emotional difficulties and ensure optimal functioning through effective strategies and accommodations.
Motivating Children and Problem Solving Strategies
Motivating children requires a balance between internal and external motivation. Internal motivation is rooted in personal interests and values, while external motivation can involve rewards or incentives. Finding activities that naturally motivate a child and relating those skill sets to less enjoyable tasks can help foster internal motivation. External motivation, such as reward systems, can be used to establish routines or habits but should be gradually phased out to develop lasting intrinsic motivation. Problem-solving strategies involve setting up structure, encouraging open communication, and focusing on proactive planning and reflection to prevent issues and diffuse situations effectively.
Executive functions: we all have and need them to manage everyday living. But many children with ADHD have executive function deficits and need help to learn how to manage their time better, stay organized, and be motivated. There are strategies and interventions that you as a parent can teach your child to help them improve in those challenging areas. In this episode, Dr. Carey Heller talks about time management, organizational, and study skills from a psychological perspective, providing insights on executive function coaching and strategies to help children thrive.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode